Johnny Growe, who began a successful career coaching high school baseball in 1985, joins Jim Frazier, Lee Mayhall, Tommy Sadler and Tim Sikes as the newest members of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame, when the 37th class is inducted at 6:30 p.m., March 28, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.

Jimmy Duke, who emceed the hall of fame festivities for 20 years, will be the recipient of the 2023 Billy Schrivner Distinguished Service Award, and Patrick Willis, retired all-Pro linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers, will serve as guest speaker.

Grace Media Group – NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM, 93.1 & WNWS.COM visited with Johnny Growe for a question and answer session to discuss his career as a baseball coach.

Question: First, a little background information – where were you born, family, education, career?

Answer: The most important relationship I have is the one with my Savior Jesus Christ. He makes – and has made everything possible. The most important person in my life is my bride, Rita, who is my best friend, my first, my last, my everything.

I was born in California, where I lived for five years, then moved to Alabama for one year, followed by the Mississsippi Gulf Coast until I was 11.

My family was wiped out by Hurricane Camille in 1969 and that caused our move to Jackson, Tennessee, where I have lived ever since.

My parents were John and Linda Growe, and I have a sister Gina and a brother Michael. I married my high school sweetheart, Rita Skinner, in 1979 and have been happily married for going on 44 years.

I graduated from North Side High School in 1976; then Union University in 1980 with a B.S. in Business Administration. I got my teaching certification in 1981; then I received my Master of Education in 1986.

My first teaching/coaching job was at South Side Junior High in 1981, then two years later I moved up to South Side High School. I remained at South Side High School for 30 years where I coached football as an assistant and was the head coach in baseball, boys basketball, softball, golf, and cross country.

In 2014, I went to Trinity Christian Academy for four years and then to Greenfield in the fall of 2018 to the present.

Question: What were your thoughts when you were first told you had been selected for induction into the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame?

Answer: At first, I was excited and humbled at the same time. Soon after, however, a sense of dread ensued as I realized I would probably have to speak in front of a large crowd.

Question: You began coaching high school baseball at South Side in 1985, and you have amassed 702 wins during your career. Why baseball, and did you ever consider coaching at another level?

Answer: Football was my first love and I always enjoyed playing basketball – really whatever was in season – but baseball seemed to be my purpose. Once given the opportunity to coach, it seemed like every time an obstacle or challenge appeared, God gave me ample protection, provision and promise to not just endure but to thrive and rejoice.

As far as coaching at other levels, I always felt a loyalty to wherever I was employed and only left when I was no longer wanted.

Question: Besides teaching the game and working with those who have played for you, what have you enjoyed the most about coaching the game of baseball?

Answer: As with any competitor, my desire to win is immense and helping young athletes to learn the discipline and perseverance to be successful is paramount. However, in the long run, the most significant by-product of coaching has been the tremendous amount of friendships and relationships that I have gained through athletics over the years.

Question: What was it like for a North Side graduate to coach at South Side, and during your career, was there a certain game you coached that stood out?

Answer: Early on the transition from (North Side) Indian to (South Side) Hawk was awkward, but then, some of the first coaches I worked for and with – Johnny Allen, Gil Webb, Andy Rushing, Bobby Wilson, Barry Tignor, Gene Cain and Raybon Moore – made me feel at ease.

They consistently kept me focused on that which I was hired and called to do – COACH.

Question: Would you give us an idea of what you will speak about when you are inducted into the Hall of Fame?

Answer: I will thank many of those who helped me in my journey – impossible to name them all – and I will probably recount one of the thousands of stories I have experienced through sports regarding games/personalities from years past.

For tickets and reservations, call Beth Sedberry (731) 616-8558.

(PHOTO: Johnny Growe)