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“We lose and
we win together,
but we stay
together.
part of a new family which the
couple described as a school that
was “very supportive.”
John Lowe’s next offer came
from Woodland Hills Baptist
Academy where his role advanced
to high school principal, head
football coach and athletic
director. This meant Ruth would
also assume more responsibilities
in raising their two children, Kim
and John David. With John Lowe
being away from home so much,
Ruth became the main disciplinarian
and the “grounds keeper”
when John Lowe wasn’t available.
She recalls a birthday party she
was hosting which included
mowing their lawn as part of the
necessary preparation.
Coach John Lowe realized the
loser mentality the school had
soon after he took on his multiple
duties. They had never had a
winning season. He immediately
began to treat that negative state
of mind. His record shows a win
over Jackson Prep for Conference
Championship, the AAA Win in
South Mississippi and his being
selected The Clarion-Ledger
Jackson Metro Coach of the
Year for 1982.
Ruth never missed a game
during his coaching days and still
recalls the challenging weekends
of Friday night high school games
and then onto Ole Miss games on
Saturdays (they are staunch Ole
Miss Fans.) Family life definitely
revolved around football.
John Lowe remembers a sweet
moment when young son John
David got to be on the sidelines
with his dad and team. On a
nail-biter third down and short
yardage, John David tore down
the sideline and ran back with his
small hands extended, showing
the needed distance, “We only
need this much, Daddy!”
After eighteen years of
coaching, John Lowe retired.
When the desire to be on the
field left, he knew it was time,
but family and marriage growth
continued. As for family life they
are grateful they did everything
together. Their nine grandchildren
continue to embrace their strong
family circle.
John Lowe’s coaching
philosophy blended into their
marriage success.“We were and
are a team; we lose and we win
together, but we stay together.”
Ruth encourages young married
couples to recognize Jesus as the
rock you must have. From early
on, God and church were, and
remain, a priority for the two.
The interview couldn’t end
without an explanation of how a
quiet, laid-back personality like
John Lowe could coach like a
typical “fired-up” coach. He said,
“I told my players I would never
cuss them – I might scream
during practice, but it was always
to help make them a better player.
If I stop shouting at you, you
better worry because I’ve forgotten
about you!” This mild-mannered
coach even admitted that he
would have to “fabricate” a mad
mood during halftime.
Ruth still admits that John
Lowe’s “cute calves in his coaching
shorts” always were an attraction
to her, but his eternal optimism
and positive attitude are his
enduring qualities. John Lowe
describes Ruth as a gifted
friend-maker, because she is a
friend.
In their retired, senior years,
it’s not unusual for them to run
into former team members and
students. I’m certain all those
former students agree that a
combination of this couple’s virtues
would be an attainment for a
lifetime of winning seasons. l
Hometown RANKIN • 9