John McKissick's Summerville team plays at a stadium that bears the venerable coach's name.
Photo courtesy of Billy Schimpf/hssr.com
His first job was coaching a six-man football team in Clarkton, N.C. He did not realize it wasn't 11-man until he got there. Then he had to quickly familiarize himself with the rules. He had a fine 7-2 season, but that year isn't counted in his record, or he would be starting No. 61 instead of 60.
Summerville, which had won the last two state titles, was looking for a coach the next year. Even though the odds against him were astronomical, he applied and even he was shocked when he got the job. Later, he asked the superintendent why he was chosen over a host of more-qualified candidates and he was told it was because he was the only one who didn't ask about the salary. All he cared about was coaching.
His bride of several months, the former Joan Carter, quickly found out that he had tunnel vision when it came to football. The ex-cheerleader somehow talked him into taking her to a movie. However, as she waited on the porch to be picked up, he drove right past her and didn't realize she was not with him until he reached the movie theater.
Fifty-nine years later, she says, "He has been great. I've loved every minute of it, because I love football, too."
John McKissick's wife, Joan, keepsscrapbooks from each season.
Photo courtesy of Billy Schimpf/hssr.com
An enthusiastic coach's wife, Joan McKissick, now 80 years old, has kept a scrapbook each year for her husband and has missed just three games during his long career. Earlier this summer, however, she fell and broke her hip and has to use a walker. The recovery period is going to be close to six months, but she vows to attend every game in her wheelchair.
The McKissicks have found out over the years that Summerville fans not only love football, but they also hate to lose.
His most embarrassing night came during the 1976 state championship game against Greenwood. Though an underdog, Greenwood put an unreal 47-7 whipping on the Green Wave during a freezing-cold night. On the way home, the team bus broke down. Adding insult to injury, many disgusted fans drove right on past before one car finally stopped to lend a hand.
"There must have been 50 cars pass us," John McKissick recalled. "They were just flying by on I-26."
Baker has dozens of stories about McKissick's humbleness. Just recently, he believes John McKissick missed his lunch because he had invited the Summerville cheerleaders to eat with the team and he was too busy scrambling to find 25 extra seats. One of his favorites is the day that the famed coach was mowing grass at his beach house, which lies inside a fancy, gated community. A resident, who obviously didn't know him, drove by and asked if he could mow his yard when he was finished with that one.
Baker fears no movie ever will be made about John McKissick's incredible career, because it is not filled with controversy and negative things.
Every year, of course, friends and media members ask the legendary coach about his possible retirement.
"I don't have a timetable," he said. "If I'm healthy and they still want me around. A lot of guys in my school business retired and died. I've got four great grandchildren and I want to see what happens."
One of them is 5-year-old Carter Call, Joe Call's son, who made his debut earlier this month as the Summerville ballboy.
So what does Joan McKissick have to say about her husband's possible retirement?
"She used to bug me a little bit about retiring, but now she bugs me about staying," he replied.
Joan McKissick adds an exclamation mark when she says, "If he wants to keep on, it's OK with me. I know what keeps him going and healthy."
When that day finally comes, grandson Joe Call could be the heir apparent. Though there are no guarantees, John McKissick said he would lean in that direction if he had any input. Joe Call said he definitely would be up to the challenge.
"Growing up and coaching in it, I saw the mold that he has built," Joe Call noted. "I don't want to see someone come in and change it. He loves Summerville football. I'd be honored to continue that. If I'm fortunate enough for them to ask me, I'd be 100 percent. If that happens, that's my dream."
