Football - Detroit Free Press Honorable Mention All State (1952)

Football - Captain and MVP of the 1952 Undefeated Team

HHS Class of 1953

Jack graduated from Holly High School in 1953. He was sophomore class vice president and the president of the Varsity Club his senior year. He earned three varsity letters in football, three in basketball, and four in baseball….ten varsity letters in all. Jack was co-captain of the football team his junior and senior years and MVP his senior year. He was an offensive and defensive tackle and called the defensive signals; he was also the place kicker for the undefeated 1952 team. Jack earned Detroit Free Press All-State Honorable Mention his senior year. In 2001, the undefeated team was inducted into the “Broncho” Hall of Fame. His senior year he lead the team in scoring and was named MVP. When baseball season rolled around he played 1st base. He threw right handed but batted left handed. Over the four years his batting average was over .300.

Upon graduation he served two years in the United States Army and then attended Central Michigan University. He retired from the General Motors Proving Ground after 36 ½ years of service as a supervisor with the Human Resources Group.

Jack and his wife live in Holly. They have three married daughters and six grandchildren…four of whom attend Holly Area Schools. All of his grandkids are involved in athletics. While attending Sherman Middle School, his grandson and namesake, Jack Coleman, was given the assignment of nominating someone they thought would be worthy of participating in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Jack chose his grandfather. The closing paragraph of the essay reads, “my grandpa has inspired and encouraged me that it is not about winning or losing the game but how you play the game. He tells me to give all of myself and learn a little more each time I play. To compete in a sport or anything in life should be an honor to you and to whom you represent. My grandpa reflects the Olympic theme ‘Light the Fire Within’”.