IN MEMORY OF JACK ROTEN

Michael Gragg: Coach was a man of great wisdom and generosity. He was always giving, giving of his time, his energy and his resources. He always had something to give. We are most like God when we give and that was why Coach was so loved. When he spoke, you head something that sounded much like Jesus. I know that no one will ever fill his shoes, but it is great to know that his legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and friends. I don’t know anyone that ever met him that didn’t go away better off after a “Coach Encounter.” He had that kind of impact on the people around him. In the famous words of John Wooden, “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there. His character always kept him at the top!

Wes Berry: Coach Roten’s life was the greatest living example of Jesus Christ I have ever seen. His actions displayed his love of all people, and he truly lived the gospel with relational terms. He embodied the famous quote, “Preach the Gospel always, if necessary, use words.” - St. Francis of Assisi. Coach, mentor, father, friend, he did all with success.

Casey Gragg: Coach changed my life. He demonstrated with his life that just one ounce of God’s Amazing Grace changes everything. The way we breathe, walk, honor, lead, and love are wrapped beautifully in Grace, and only God’s Grace is sufficient for all of our needs. Coach knew Grace, and he gave it away so generously.

Jeff Keller: Coach Roten inspired me to invest in others by the way he invested in me. I am forever grateful for his interest in me and inspired by the legacy he left for my family and me. After he knew you, he was always there for you, no matter what the situation. He had a quiet demeanor but the heart of a lion. He fought the good fight and finished the race. I hope and pray that his family and all of us will continue the work he left for us to see.

Doug Franklin: Coach was always an encouragement to me and everyone he was around. When you saw Coach Roten, you saw a servant of Jesus! He has been a great inspiration to me.

Tim Bailey: Coach always said, “Don’t miss Jesus.” So simple, but so impactful and clear to those listening to him.

Macky Tugman: Jack Roten changed my life. I would not be the man I am today without knowing him. I am devastated by the news, but I know Jack is with the Lord smiling down at us. He was the very best the Lord sent to be among us and I am blessed to have known him. Rejoice in his life, he gave so many so much. God bless his family and keep them safe.

Jody Corum: As a former student of Coach Roten, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him and his family for many years. For me he was a role model. His daily actions with students and athletes taught young people how to treat and respect one another with true sincerity. I believe he truly had a positive effect on many young people and gave a light to many who may have otherwise found the dark corner.

Jack William Roten, age 67, of Bamboo Road, Boone, passed away Friday evening, June 12, 2015, at his home.

Jack was born August 27, 1947 in Ashe County, a son of the late William Vaughn Roten and Pauline Graybeal Roten. He was a retired Physical Education Teacher at Watauga High School and attended The Rock Church in Boone.

Jack graduated from Appalachian High School in 1964 where he was a three year varsity running back, point guard and sprinter on the track team. His senior year he was MCP in football and All-Western Regional Team as AHS won the Western State Championship. He was also MVP of the basketball and track teams. Jack was conference champion in the 100 and 200 yard dashes and ran the 200 yard dash in the state meet. He graduated from ASU in 1968. He was a running back all four years at ASU and ran track as a sprinter his last two years. Jack led the team in scoring and rushing in 1966 with 815 yards for a 4.6 yards per carry average. In 1968, he again led the team in rushing with 780 yards for a nine yards per carry average and nine touchdowns in only five games before injuring his knee. He has the 14th all-time best rushing game in ASU history with 206 yards in 19 attempts versus Newberry in 1968. Jack was also has the record for most kickoff return yards in one game, 191 yards on seven returns, versus Southeast Louisiana in 1965.

Jack was the sponsor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at WHS having started in 1987. He was a local and state Special Olympics coach from 1987-1993. He was an assistant football coach at WHS from 1984-1986, and head coach from 1987-1995. Jack was head track coach from 1984-1988 and throws coach from 1994-2000.

In power-lifting he has excelled. Jack was the NC State Champion in 1997 and 1999-2002, the 2001 National Champion and the World Champion in 2001-2003 as well as the Master’s Division Best Lifter in 2002-2004.