Former Coker Soccer Player Passes Away

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
7/8/2009

Coker College lost a former Cobra over the weekend. Stephen Jones, class of 1987, passed away on Saturday, June 29, at the age of 44 after a bout with cancer.

"Stephen was a great person, teammate and friend," said Tim Griggs Coker's Director of Athletics and former Coker soccer coach. "He was always up-beat, always having a good time and he was a heck of a goalkeeper."

One of the best goalkeepers in Coker history, Jones played for the Cobras for four years under Griggs. The Opelika, Ala. native earned his Master's degree in Physical Education from The Citadel, where he also served as a graduate assistant coach for two years and then interim head coach before he made a name for himself as the Head Coach at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson, Tenn.

Jones compiled a 59-60-10 record while coaching the Eagles from 1990-97. He was named South Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year in just his second season in 1991 after leading the Eagles to at 10-7-1 mark, which was the program's first-ever winning season.

"Stephen is a tremendous person and a great coach that will be greatly missed," said Griggs. "The thoughts and prayers of everyone from the Coker community go out to the Jones family."

In lieu of flowers, a gift may be given to Jones' medical fund. Make checks payable to Heritage Fellowship with "Jones Medical Fund" listed on the memo line and mail to Heritage Fellowship at 316 W. Old A.J. Hwy, Jefferson City, TN 37760.