As a Godby Cougar freshman, I learned to hate the Leon Lions. They were the big bad bully of Tallahassee high schools. No Tallahassee high school had EVER beaten the Lions in varsity football. That would come to a screeching halt with the arrival of the Godby High Class of 1980. Okay, so we had nothing to do with the actual on field win, but like ALL sports fans, we too took credit.
In 1976, inside the not so cozy confines of Doak Campbell Stadium a new King of the Jungle would emerge. The Cougars blew out the Lions in the second half to win 46-7. This was just one game in route to a 14-0 season AND a State Championship! But, to many, this was the most important victory of the year.
For the first time EVER Godby had bragging rights over Leon and our class would NOT relinquish them. The Class of 1980 is the first and only class to NEVER lose to Peon Leon. Back then this rivalry seemed so important. It was okay to HATE Leon and their coach – Gene Cox because he was responsible for the dreaded red & white dynasty.
Coach Cox, at one time, had more coaching victories than any other head football coach in the state of Florida. Capital Stadium, where local high school games are played was renamed Gene Cox Stadium to honor the local high school coaching legend after his retirement. An honor he greatly deserved as I look through the eyes of an adult. But back then, I wasn’t looking through the eyes of an adult…
After graduation I dated the daughter of Richard “the Big Bad” Wolfe. He was a giant of a man, a single father raising 2 beautiful daughters (Melanie & Melissa), and one of Coach Cox’s best friends. To make things more interesting, his older daughter Melanie was a Godby Girl!
Mr. Wolfe was also the voice of Leon Lion football. I was taking pictures at a game one night when Mr. Wolfe said over the P.A. system in his booming voice, “Would the parents of little Roger Day please come to the press box. He’s lost – AGAIN.” I laughed and looked up to see him laughing and waving.
Mr. Wolfe also hosted, what I believe was, Tallahassee’s first sports talk show on the radio. I would call in and disguise my voice. Just when I thought I had pulled one over on him, he would end the call by telling me to have his daughter home on time.
I met the Coach Cox, who I once despised, through Mr. Wolfe and the three of us talked a lot of football and a lot of trash. When they were getting the best of an argument, as was often the case I always reminded BOTH of them that I graduated in 1980 and NEVER lost to Leon. That usually led to a change in subject, as I knew this was a sore spot for both of them. So, I personally would like to thank everyone that played football at Godby during my years there for securing these bragging rights. I did, however, respect that these men loved Leon as much as I (still a kid) loved Godby. I came to respect Coach Cox and begrudgingly like him through Mr. Wolfe.
Mr. Wolfe was in a car accident that claimed his life after several years in a coma. After getting word of the accident, Melanie and I arrived at TMH. Mr. and Mrs. Cox were there shortly thereafter. I will never forget, and be forever grateful, the strength and support they provided.
Years after the accident, I learned of a meeting of some of Mr. Wolfe’s friends, included among them – Coach Cox, Erwin from Skate Inn West, and Manny Joanos. I was told that these men had gathered together with other friends and pledged to do whatever was needed to take care of Melanie and her younger sister Melissa. A true tribute to the character of Mr. Wolfe and the company he kept!
I only spoke to Coach Cox on 2 occasions in the last few years. Once at Mr. Wolfe’s Memorial Service and the last time, fittingly enough at a Leon football game.
Everyone that knows me knows of my love for Godby. However, in HONOR of these 2 great men, I will proudly say: GO LEON!
What a difference it makes looking at life through the eyes of an adult…
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