Letter: John Drafts a hall-of-famer

Sometime later this month, longtime basketball coach and athletics director John Drafts will walk out of Battery Creek High School for the last time. Coach Drafts has dedicated 33 years in Burton, had two sons graduate from BC, and has done nothing but represent that school with class and integrity.

The district has had numerous superintendents, Battery Creek has had 11 or 12 principals, and many football coaches during his tenure, but John has been the one constant, or the face of that school. He should be recognized by both the high school and the district office for his work in that community.

I have known John for 21 years in numerous roles as a colleague, a competitor, a friend and confidant. He has helped mentor all district “rookie” athletics directors like Jerry Linn, Dave Adams, Carlos Cave, Linc Lyles, and myself. He has never been anything but professional in all of these roles toward me and everyone else.

John did many great things for the Dolphin athletic program, and establishing the Battery Creek High School Athletic Hall of Fame was one of his best ideas. He needs to be inducted in the immediate future.

I have said this to Coach Drafts numerous times, and to everyone associated with high school sports in our state: “Battery Creek High School has no idea how lucky it is (or was) to have John Drafts as its basketball coach and athletics director.”

I hope he enjoys his retirement and spending more time with Pam, Trent, Colin, and Abby.

This story was originally published June 9, 2016 at 11:10 PM with the headline "Letter: John Drafts a hall-of-famer."