AJC Story of the Year: Coach with ALS inspired players, fans and readers
More than 4,800 readers voted for the AJC Story of the Year, and the resounding winner was Greenville High School football coach Jeremy Williams
Williams led the Patriots to an undefeated season, while battle ALS. The coach’s inspiring tale received 42 percent of the votes, besting Georgia Tech’s run to the ACC title by 555 votes.
Tiger Woods’ demise came in third with 25 percent of the votes.
You can read more about Coach Williams in the following AJC stories:
Greenville coach fights Lou Gehrig’s disease
Greenville football coach plans return to sidelines
Greenville coach a rock – so’s his wife
Greenville’s inspiring journey ends in playoffs
Congrats to all the candidates, and thank you to everyone that participated.
May 2010 be your best year yet … AJC.com’s sport staff.
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127 comments Add your comment
Dana
December 11th, 2009
3:35 pm
Coach Williams is definitely an inspiration to everyone. When he and Mrs. Williams were at Manchester High School they made an impact on everyone. As a student of both of theirs I can say they greatly impacted my life and I wish them all the best in everything they do. I was terribly upset to hear about all of the problems they have gone through but as Mrs. Williams said, God does have a plan and will see them through.
Ben Piel (Canada)
December 11th, 2009
5:09 pm
I feel sorry for Tiger, his family, and also all the Tiger followers, who were looking forward to see if he could set new records in golf. Why did you do it Tiger you should know that eventualy the papparazzi will find out. We will mis you.
Greg
December 11th, 2009
5:43 pm
Alabama dismantles Florida in the SEC championship and its not even a choice? I’m an Auburn man, despise Bama, but that was the story of the year!
Melissa Acton
December 11th, 2009
7:01 pm
Coach Williams and his boys are the best!!! No matter the circumstances, they never gave up and they never will! Coach Williams became a father figure for those boys and he gave them the inspiration to never quit. What he has done for for his students will never be forgotten. The Williams’ family has a strong and dedicated spirit that can never be broken. Good luck in the future Coach Williams and Patriots!!!
Jake Godbey
December 11th, 2009
8:52 pm
I started weight training as a freshman in high school under coach williams bench pressing eighty five pounds. I thought that I was a nobody and could never amount to anything. On my last day of school my senior year I bench pressed two hundred and eighty five pounds.Coach Williams never gave up on me and along the way he taught me to never give up on anything that I truly wanted. I never played football in high school and that goes to show you that not only does he care for his football players but for the whole student body. Til this day and forever more Coach Williams will always be the person that I look up to the most. Thanks Coach and God bless!!!!
Michael
December 11th, 2009
9:12 pm
I don’t know Coach Williams’ story, but I wish I did. He sounds like quite a man. In 10 years no one will remember Tiger’s problems or Tech’s ACC football championship, but Williams will still be in the hearts of those he touched.
DCB
December 12th, 2009
12:13 pm
Considering the options you gave I voted for the Williams story. It probably would have received my vote anyway – but I can’t believe Mickelson winning the World Championship after his ordeal with his wife and mother’s cancer discovery and treatment didn’t make the top five. Nor Alabama dismantling Florida as another reader mentioned above. Smoltz, Moreno, and Stafford leaving wouldn’t have made even my top ten.
Carolyn
December 12th, 2009
4:06 pm
The Williams family are truly a family that display courage and strength. Week after week to watch the family members sit and watch their son, father, brother, and husband walk up and down the sidelines and instruct the players was truly courageous. A week never went by that tears were not shed by many fans and friends. This man shows love and leadership to his players and his community. He deserves this recognition and much more.
MR
December 12th, 2009
8:44 pm
It is clear that the story of Coach Williams is one of the best and most unique sports stories written. Ga Tech had a great year and I was pulling for them against Clemson. They will have another chance in another year. Coach Williams may not. He is a unique and inspirational leader of young men. I am surprised that Paul Johnson and members of the Ga Tech team have not written in asking for votes for Coach Williams. That would be pretty cool.
JM
December 13th, 2009
12:02 am
I am so over Tiger Woods.
John from Stn Mtn!
December 13th, 2009
12:09 am
Coach Williams and Mrs.Williams we love you and your boys!
Angela Degler
December 13th, 2009
7:43 am
The story that is the best, is by far and inspirational the Jeremy Williams Story. This man is amazing on the football field and off the field. He is truley a man of God, and we could all learn from him. It has been a great story to follow up on.
Phil Mickelson
December 13th, 2009
5:07 pm
Tiger’s troubles could be the story of 2009 and 2010.
MR
December 14th, 2009
7:36 am
Great Story on Jeremy Williams.
Rob Bertling
December 14th, 2009
12:05 pm
Thank you for nominating Coach Jeremy Williams’ story. I had the honor of playing four years of college football with Jeremy at then Memphis State University. Jeremy was a warrior then and he is a warrior now. He is one of the finest human beings I have ever known and he deserves the recognition. As was stated above, Jeremy is truly a man of God. He and his wife are the kind of examples we need in this world. God Bless Jeremy, Jennifer, their children and his team.
TigerMc
December 14th, 2009
12:53 pm
Why reward whore-mongering and adultry troubles with Story of the Year. I much prefer to recognize some who has been a good and faithful father and husband as well as a guy who is actually a good role model to kids.
Thank you JW and our prayers are with you in your battle with ALS!
Samuel Francis
December 14th, 2009
2:25 pm
I have worked directly or indirectly with coach Williams for the past five years. The coaching style of coach Williams along with the success that he has achieved on and off the field before his illness would have been enough to get him nominated for story of the year. Through my own life experiences coach Williams truly practice what he preaches with young people and adults. There is no other story among the list that is more deserving than coach Williams’
Adrian
December 14th, 2009
4:32 pm
Hi!. Thanks for the info. I’ve been digging around for info, but there is so much out there. Yahoo lead me here – good for you i suppose! Keep up the great information. I will be popping back over in a couple of days to see if there is updated posts.
Brianna Bussey
December 15th, 2009
10:23 am
I am a proud senior at Greenville High School..and i think this is wonderful that Coach was nominated for the story of the year. Although he is struggling with ALS, he does not show it. If you seen him at school on a day to day basis, you would never know he has it. He is a great person and is truly loved among everyone at Greenville High School. I pray for him and hope God will pull him through this rough time in his life. God has blessed GHS with our own angel. We love you Coach Williams….Love, Brianna!!!
Shaneka Thrash
December 15th, 2009
10:25 am
I a proud senior of Greenville High School and it has been a pleasure and true blessing knowing Coach Williams. Coach Williams is a very inspirational and determined person. I’ve never seen an individual so STRONG as this man. Just to see the bright smile on his face in weight training class makes me smile from the inside out. The life he so humblely lives and his story has struck Greenville High and the boys of the football team greatly. It is truely my humble prayer that God continues to bless and keep he and his family lifted up…. I LOVE U COACH WILLIAMS!!!
brittany smith
December 15th, 2009
10:25 am
as a senior of greenville high i have come to know and love coach williams like a second father. i took coach williams’s weight trainin class my junior year and am currently taking it now. everyday my friends and i get together and clean up the weight room and keep it looking fresh to keep a smile on coach williams face. he may get upset with us sometimes when we [forget] to do our weight training exercises but int eh end we know it’s beacause he loves and cares about us. it is my great honor to be a greenville patriot and i am truely blessed to be able to spend these past 2 years with coach . coach williams story has touched many hearts and is truely inspirational. coach williams has turned our guys of ghs into respectable men and women and for that we will always love and respect him
brittany smith
December 15th, 2009
10:25 am
as a senior of greenville high i have come to know and love coach williams like a second father. i took coach williams’s weight trainin class my junior year and am currently taking it now. everyday my friends and i get together and clean up the weight room and keep it looking fresh to keep a smile on coach williams face. he may get upset with us sometimes when we [forget] to do our weight training exercises but int eh end we know it’s beacause he loves and cares about us. it is my great honor to be a greenville patriot and i am truely blessed to be able to spend these past 2 years with coach . coach williams story has touched many hearts and is truely inspirational. coach williams has turned our guys of ghs into respectable men and women and for that we will always love and respect him
David H. Waite
December 15th, 2009
11:57 am
Coach Williams when he was hired as the Coach for Greenville High School it was for two reasons, he was a man of character,and he possessed many great skills related to leadership. I have known Jeremy as his assistant principal and a friend. Jeremy has not changed since he took his first snap as a quarterback at Kendrick High School up to his coaching experiences at Greenville. I have always found Jeremy to be a man of great faith,and his love for god is shown through his coaching young people. It was my honor to work side by side with him at Greenville High school as his assistant principal, because he renewed my faith everday in his actions on the field and in the classroom. Doc
Lindsey
December 15th, 2009
12:26 pm
Coach Jeremy Williams deserves the story of the year. He is a true role model that shines compassion for his students. I see him from time to time at school events. He always has a smile and only speaks words of encouragement. There is no one like him. His story is incredible and deserves to be read by everyone.
BW
December 15th, 2009
1:27 pm
The Greenville coaches illness keeps things in perspective as far as real life is concerned. He is in a life or death struggle each day. Nothing else really matters!!
Carol Henschel
December 15th, 2009
1:27 pm
Coach Williams should receive the sports story of the year. He is leaving a legacy for his family, his students, his players and the great state of Georgia for his courage and character. I am grateful to know and hear of this man’s investment in the work he does for Greenville High and beyond. High School sports has long been a venture in teaching more than sports but in teaching team work, discipline, deference, and tenacity. Qualities we see and appreciate in Coach Williams. May his tribe increase!
tmcb
December 15th, 2009
1:51 pm
How can a story I’ve never heard of be a “top Story of the year”? I am a sports fan and based on your voting a High school coach battling ALS is bigger than the best golfer in the world having multiple affairs on his wife and losing sponsorships… give me a break.
Hey, i’m sure the coach is a great feel good story and i would never say anything bad about his situation… But to have that as a top story over Tiger and GT over it as well… what does that say about the people voting? M-O-R-O-N-S!
Joey Loudermilk
December 15th, 2009
3:13 pm
To “tmcb”:
I guess I’m just a “MORON”. As far as Tiger being the story of the year, I am frankly sick and tired of philandering celebrities, even if the culprit happens to be the greatest golfer in the world. The story of Jeremy Williams is inspirational at the highest level. I know the man and his family personally and have the greatest respect for all of them. This is a story for the ages, not just 2009.
Jethro
December 15th, 2009
3:25 pm
The sports story of the year was Florida’s utter domination of UGA again and winning their 17th game in the last 20 years at the Worlds Biggest Outdoor Cocktail Party.
timthebrave
December 15th, 2009
3:56 pm
A famous person cheating on their wife is no longer a big story. If he wasn’t cheating on his wife it would be more shocking.
tmcb
December 15th, 2009
4:56 pm
Joey- respectfully I disagree with you. Is it a great story? i’m sure it is. I mean no disrespect to the man or anyone associated with him. See further explanation below.
Timthebrave: The story is not just Tiger cheating on his wife. It is the Best Professional golfer in the world, the most recognized athlete in the world cheating with multiple partners. AND the effects it has not only on his life, but the lives of many other golfers on the PGA Tour and sponsorship dollars. The ripple effect of this story continues to grow… Just because the coverage has gotten out of hand (and it has) doesn’t detour from the magnitude of the story. The effects of Tiger’s actions is by far the largest story in the sports world. So for the vote in the local AJC to show the local coach and GT to be a larger story is just stupid. Sorry if you can’t understand that.
Melissa Acton
December 15th, 2009
9:08 pm
To TCMB:
This is a public forum and everyone is entitled to their opinion and free speech. You can vote for which ever story that you wish, but you have no right to tell us that our votes are stupid. This is a “Sports Story of the Year” and for those that are involved in Georgia highschool sports, the Williams’ story about his team is a wonderful sports story. Tiger Woods should not even be considered as a “sports” story. Despite the fact that he is a good golfer, he obviously has no moral standards and has no respect for his family, friends or fans. Since you are a sports fan, have you even read the many articles that has been written about the Greenville Patriots and their coach, Jeremy Williams, who is by far one of the most amazing leaders and coaches that any team would be proud to have as a coach. So please, if you can’t say anything nice about a man who has done nothing but good then you need to keep your mouth shut!!!
Melissa Acton
December 15th, 2009
9:48 pm
If you want to talk about a ripple effect, here is one for you: A town suffering from low morale is united by a football team. A team brought together by a Godly man who instills in them the mentality to NEVER quit, no matter the fight!!! Those boys, their friends, their families will now have hope! Hope that can not be taken away by M-O-R-O-N-S like you that only want to bring people down bc it will make you feel better. This is not just a feel good story, it is a story about one man who not only teaches, but inspires others to never give up, whether it is a football game or an everyday moment in life. So before you bad mouth him or his fans, read the articles and see his ripple effect!
Ben
December 15th, 2009
9:57 pm
God Bless you Jeremy Williams. You are such an inspiration to all who seem to come in contact with you. I look forward to seeing you again in the high school playoffs next year!
Lester Shepherd
December 15th, 2009
10:47 pm
You would think the vote place would be prominently displayed!! IT ISN’T!!!!!!. Where the heck is it. PLEASE LET ME KNOW SO I CAN VOTE FOR JEREMY. You have me email.
Eye of the Tiger
December 16th, 2009
8:06 am
“It is the Best Professional golfer in the world, the most recognized athlete in the world cheating with multiple partners”
Kobe, Jordan, ARod, Magic, DiMaggio, Tyson, Unitas, Ali, can I go on? All considered amongst the greatest in their respective sports and all having cheated on their wives. Why are we shocked about Tiger?? Seriously?? It’s what men with money and fame do, these wives know what they’re getting before they go in. I could care less about where he lays his hat at night!
Chris
December 16th, 2009
8:29 am
There is absolutely nothing that happens in high school sports, in any state, that can be considered a “story of the year.” At least the others have gained national attention. With all due respect to the coach, I’m just not interested one bit. Not to mention I’ve never heard of that school and have lived here for 23 years.
Kathy
December 16th, 2009
9:49 am
The lesson is the point. Can any of these other stories inspire the millions who are facing adversity to continue to fight and move foreward doing their best? Will any of these stories inspire many youth to not give up when the “going gets tough”? Will everyone be looking for the Greenville Patriots and Jeremy Williams next year? What will be remembered a year from now? Which story will affect eternity? My obvious answer is the story of a godly man who lives to inspire others in the name of Jesus!
Jennifer Vaughn
December 16th, 2009
10:35 am
tmcb- Instead of giving satan any honor for the destruction he has brought to Tiger’s wife, children, extended family, himself, and professional golf….the majority of us choose to give glory to God for all that He has done through Coach Jeremy Williams. The ripple effects of eternity cannot be compared!
A PROUD Patriots Mom
December 16th, 2009
10:59 am
To those of you who think that a high school sports story should not be in the running for Sports
Story of the Year is so sadly mistaken. Coach Williams is facing so much more than most of us will ever have too. He lives day to day with the not knowing in his face. He handles this all with DIGNITY and COURAGE. He teaches our students to believe anything is possible as long as you believe and have faith. We should all be appreciative that at least 44 young men will be leaving high school under Coach Williams within the next couple of years more well rounded, respectable, sensative and caring. I had not heard of this school nor this town until moving here from ATLANTA 6 years ago. Let me tell you, It is a move I am so glad we did because the lessons and values our son and daughter have learned in these little schools in the middle of nowhere are so much more than they could or would have learned in the BIG city. This is coming from someone who was born and raised in the Big city for 34 years. So yes, a high school story should be among the nominees for Sports Story of the Year. Coach Williams you and your family are in our thought and prayers daily. God has truly blessed us with your presence.
teribear68
December 16th, 2009
1:14 pm
tmcb I think maybe you’re the one missing the point here. The voting isn’t for what got the most press. Its for what is the best story in the AJC this year. I think a lot of us are fed up with bad news and Tiger’s downfall surely qualifies as that.
I know Coach Williams personally even though I haven’t seen him since his playing days at what was then Memphis State. I, along with Memphis alumni from all over this country, have been following his story in the AJC. The AJC readership, especially online, is far larger than the metro Atlanta area. Vote for whatever you believe to be the best story of the year, that’s your right and prerogative, but it is NOT your right or prerogative to resort to name calling toward those of us who don’t agree.
Susie Byce
December 16th, 2009
7:07 pm
You can not find a better written sports story that gives a detailed, heartfelt look at a bunch of boys who loved “Coach”. By far, this story is number one and the story will continue in the hearts of those boys.
Tonya
December 17th, 2009
12:57 pm
Coach William is a inspiration to us all. He has helped alot of us through the years and he is still helping others now. We love you and keep up the good work.
Andy Robinson
December 17th, 2009
9:11 pm
Thanks again Wayne & Ruby(#47)for a beautiful tribute to an incredible man and coaching effort.If anyone believes Coach Jeremy Williams should be awarded “THE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACH OF THE YEAR”.. recommendations may be forwarded to the following three addresses:
1) letters@usatoday.com
Attn: Jim Nalley(Sports Dept.)
2)office.nhsaca@gmail.com
Attn: Jerome Garry
3)illinoisbestweekly@yahoo.com
Attn: Rob Sherrill
Amy
December 18th, 2009
1:50 pm
What’s up?. Thanks for the blog. I’ve been digging around looking some info up for shool, but there is so much out there. Google lead me here – good for you i suppose! Keep up the good work. I will be popping back over in a couple of days to see if there is any more info.
Alba
December 18th, 2009
3:21 pm
Hey – I found your page by mistake. I was searching in Yahoo for beach vacations for my family trip when I found your site, I must say your site is really informative, I just love the theme, its amazing!. I don’t have the time this minute to totally read your site but I bookmarked it and also signed up for your RSS feed. I’ll back in a day or two. Thanks again for a cool site.
Debbie Cotton
December 20th, 2009
2:17 am
Although I don’t know him personally, I have heard and read about Coach Jeremy Williams’ story. I am so impressed with the strength that he shows his family and the people around him daily. He is an inspiration to everyone young and old. He wakes up in the morning and goes to work, regardless of the limitations that he is now dealing with. He works with children everyday. These children are the future of our country. Not only does he teach them, he is an awesome role model for them. We need more men like Jeremy Williams in this time when there are so many homes without strong male role models. His story is definitely the story of the year!
Trent
December 20th, 2009
3:58 pm
I vote for the death of the AJC sports section as the sports story of the year. What was once a must read is pure garbage now.
Bob Respess
December 22nd, 2009
10:06 am
With 5 GT alumni in my family I bleed Gold & White, but the story of Coach Williams is hands down the story of the year. What a truly inspirational man and a wonderful example to his team, school and community.
I also must agree with Susie Byce when she wrote, “You can not find a better written sports story that gives a detailed, heartfelt look at a bunch of boys who loved “Coach”.” One of the finest pieces of writing I’ve seen in the AJC in years.
Godspeed Coach Williams!
Don Gill
December 22nd, 2009
11:36 am
How is this for the sports story of the year? A classic blunder, maybe two. Just in time for Christmas. How stupid, stupid can the Braves get? Trading Vasquez for a mediocre hitter. They are filled with mediocre hitters. Sign LaRoche, for crying out loud. He’s the only one that consistently hit wi power last year. And could have a really good year. And Vasquez was getting close to being as good as John Smoltz in his prime. He was poised to have a good year. Just plain stupid. Why do the Braves trade their good players and keep the journeymen. The league is spotted wi great former Braves. (Marquis, Tex, etc.) As much as I love Chipper and his career, he is now old. He can’t swing and run to first base without pulling one or two muscles.