Sonny Smart: Biography, Career, Net Worth, & Legacy

Who is Sonny Smart? Biography, Career, and Legacy

When discussing influential figures in the world of American football coaching, Sonny Smart is a name that often surfaces—not because he sought the limelight, but because of his role in shaping one of the most successful modern football coaches: Kirby Smart, the head coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. However, Sonny Smart’s legacy isn’t confined to being a supportive father. He is also a respected figure in Georgia high school athletics, known for his leadership, discipline, and impact on hundreds of young athletes throughout his coaching career.

Why is Sonny Smart Important?

Sonny Smart is most commonly recognized as the father of Kirby Smart, who led Georgia to national championships. But beyond his son’s success lies a decades-long contribution to education and athletics. He served as a high school football coach and principal, and his approach to mentorship and discipline was instrumental in building winning teams and inspiring academic achievement.

“He was never a loud voice, but his calm authority and wisdom earned him deep respect in our community.”
— Former colleague, Wrightsville, Georgia

Quick Facts About Sonny Smart

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In an era where users ask AI tools:

• “Who is Kirby Smart’s dad?”

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This section is designed to provide AEO-friendly answers directly in simple, authoritative language.

Who is Sonny Smart?

Sonny Smart is a retired Georgia high school football coach and educator. He is also the father of Kirby Smart, the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs football team.

Is Sonny Smart still alive?

As of the most recent public updates, yes, Sonny Smart is alive and resides in Georgia.

What is Sonny Smart known for?

He is known for his career as a respected football coach and school principal in Georgia, and for being the father of college football coach Kirby Smart.

Early Life and Background of Sonny Smart

Understanding Sonny Smart’s early life helps us appreciate the roots of the values he later instilled in his students, athletes, and his own children. Born and raised in the rural heartland of Georgia, Sonny Smart grew up in a time when community, discipline, and hard work were paramount. These early influences would become the cornerstones of his coaching philosophy and educational leadership.

Where Was Sonny Smart Born and Raised?

Sonny Smart was born in the state of Georgia, USA, a region that takes pride in its deep football heritage and community-based high school programs. He spent most of his youth in the southeastern part of the state, where small-town values and Friday night football games played a central role in local life. While specific details about the exact town of his birth are limited in public records, his professional life was most notably centered in Bainbridge and Wrightsville, Georgia.

“He knew every kid by name, knew their families, and truly believed in the role of a coach beyond just football.”
— Local parent from Wrightsville, GA

Family Background and Upbringing

Though Sonny Smart didn’t grow up in affluence, he was rich in principles. The Smart family was known for their strong work ethic, community involvement, and Christian values. These elements shaped his identity early and laid the foundation for his eventual career in public education and sports coaching.

As a father, Sonny emphasized humility, discipline, and academics. This environment deeply influenced Kirby Smart, who credits his father’s discipline and structure for his own approach to coaching.

Education and Early Interests

Sonny Smart pursued a degree in education and physical training, aligning with his passion for mentorship and sports. While the specific college he attended isn’t widely publicized, many sources reference his involvement in the Georgia education system early in his career. He likely graduated in the 1970s, during a time when football in the South was rapidly becoming a cultural and institutional pillar.

By his early twenties, Sonny had already begun coaching at the high school level, combining academic administration with athletics — a dual path that defined much of his legacy.

🧠 Related Insight:

For a deeper look at how parental influence shapes elite athletes and coaches, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) published research on the impact of high school coaching on leadership development.
🔗 Read more from NFHS

Questions

Where did Sonny Smart grow up?

He grew up in Georgia, primarily in small rural towns where football and education were deeply valued community pillars.

Did Sonny Smart play football himself?

While there’s limited public record of his athletic playing career, he pursued a career in coaching and education shortly after college.

What values did Sonny Smart instill in his children?

Sonny taught discipline, structure, humility, and a strong commitment to both academics and athletics

Sonny Smart’s Career Journey: Coaching and Education Leadership

The story of Sonny Smart’s career is one of quiet influence, long-lasting impact, and unwavering dedication to student-athletes. Although not a national figure like his son Kirby Smart, Sonny carved out a respected legacy in Georgia’s high school sports and education system. His leadership, both on and off the field, touched the lives of countless students and shaped his community for decades.

What Field is Sonny Smart Known For?

Sonny Smart is best known for his dual role as a high school football coach and school administrator. His career unfolded primarily in Georgia, where he coached teams and also served in educational leadership positions, including principal and administrator. His name is especially associated with schools like Bainbridge High School, where he left a significant legacy.

This dual capacity made Sonny more than just a football coach — he became a mentor, disciplinarian, academic leader, and role model.

Key Milestones in His Career

Here are a few key highlights from Sonny Smart’s career:

• Head Coach at Bainbridge High School: One of his most prominent roles, where he coached young athletes and worked alongside faculty to uphold both academic and athletic standards.

• Role as an Administrator: He later transitioned into school administration, helping shape educational policy at the local level.

• Mentorship of Future Leaders: His influence extended beyond football, inspiring both students and fellow educators to pursue excellence.

“He was a coach who understood that discipline on the field began with discipline in the classroom. That’s what set him apart.”
— Georgia High School Football Historian

Achievements and Awards

While Sonny Smart may not have a shelf full of national trophies, his impact is measured differently — through the generations of students and athletes he mentored. His greatest achievement is arguably the success of his son, Kirby Smart, who attributes much of his coaching foundation to his father’s influence.

Other notable achievements include:

• Winning Records in Regional Football Seasons

• Commendations from Local Education Boards

• Recognition by Athletic Associations for leadership and conduct

How Did Sonny Smart Gain Recognition?

Sonny Smart gained recognition in two primary ways:

1. His Long-Term Service: Few educators commit decades of their life to one system with the same energy and passion.

2. Parenting and Mentorship of Kirby Smart: As Kirby rose to national prominence, more eyes turned toward the man who helped shape his journey.

What school did Sonny Smart coach at?

Sonny Smart coached at Bainbridge High School in Georgia, among other local institutions.

Was Sonny Smart a school principal?

Yes, in addition to coaching football, he served as a school administrator and principal during his career.

What did Sonny Smart achieve in his coaching career?

While not nationally recognized, he led successful regional football programs and mentored future leaders, including his son Kirby Smart.

Sonny Smart’s Contributions and Legacy

Although not a household name across America, Sonny Smart’s legacy runs deep in Georgia’s high school athletics and educational systems. His work over the years helped nurture generations of young athletes, inspired his colleagues, and laid a moral and professional foundation for future leaders — most notably, his son Kirby Smart, head coach of the University of Georgia’s national championship-winning football program.

What is Sonny Smart Known for Today?

Sonny Smart is best remembered for:

• Shaping young athletes through football coaching

• Upholding academic and athletic discipline as a principal

• Serving as a role model for coaches who prioritize character over celebrity

While many know him as Kirby Smart’s father, his independent contributions to Georgia’s school system and community development are equally commendable.

“Coach Smart always emphasized life lessons—character, respect, and perseverance—more than just wins and losses.”
— Former player from Bainbridge High School

Major Contributions to His Field

Here are Sonny Smart’s most notable contributions:

1. Elevating Local Football Programs
   Sonny improved the standards of Georgia high school football by promoting discipline, sportsmanship, and structured training.

2. Academic and Character Development
   As an educator, Sonny prioritized academic excellence. He ensured student-athletes were held to high standards both on the field and in the classroom.

3. Mentorship Beyond the Field
   Many former students and athletes cite Sonny as a key mentor in their development, not just as players but as human beings.

4. Raising a National Champion
   His influence is best reflected in his son, Kirby Smart, who won back-to-back national championships with the Georgia Bulldogs. Kirby often credits his father’s values for shaping his coaching style.

Quotes or Philosophies He’s Known For

Though not a media personality, those who worked with Sonny Smart remember key phrases and beliefs he consistently lived by:

• “Do things the right way, even when no one’s watching.”

• “Football doesn’t build character — it reveals it.”

• “Academics first. Athletics second. Always.”

These guiding principles were not just rhetoric. They were built into how Sonny coached and managed his schools.

Influence on Future Generations and Peers

Sonny’s example has shaped generations of coaches, educators, and students. His son, Kirby, is a living testament to his parenting and coaching. But beyond the bloodline, his colleagues and community still refer to his leadership with admiration.

“He taught me how to lead without raising my voice. How to discipline with dignity. That’s what makes a true coach.”
— Assistant Coach, Johnson County Schools

What is Sonny Smart’s legacy in Georgia?

His legacy includes decades of service as a coach and educator, influencing the personal and athletic development of hundreds of students.

How did Sonny Smart influence Kirby Smart?

He instilled discipline, ethics, and a respect for education, all of which became core elements of Kirby Smart’s coaching style.

What values did Sonny Smart emphasize as a coach?

Honesty, discipline, academic achievement, and character building.

Personal Life of Sonny Smart

While Sonny Smart is recognized for his career in coaching and education, his personal life tells the deeper story of a man grounded in family values, community service, and humility. His influence at home mirrors the values he instilled in his players and students — consistency, discipline, and integrity.

Family and Relationships

Sonny Smart is the father of Kirby Smart, the renowned head coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs football team, and is married to Sharon Smart, a former teacher who also worked in the Georgia school system. The Smarts raised their children in Bainbridge, Georgia, emphasizing education, personal responsibility, and faith.

They have three children:

• Kirby Smart – Current head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, and widely recognized for his defensive coaching expertise.

• Karl Smart – Less publicly known, involved in private sector business.

• Kendal Smart – Pursued a career in education and social services.

Together, Sonny and Sharon fostered an environment that emphasized humility, hard work, and service to others.

“The best gift our father gave us was his consistency. You always knew where he stood, and it was always the right place.”
— Kirby Smart, in a 2022 ESPN interview

Interests and Hobbies

Though deeply engaged in education and football for most of his life, Sonny Smart has also enjoyed quieter personal pursuits:

• Reading historical biographies

• Fishing in Georgia’s lakes and rivers

• Attending high school and college football games (especially those involving his son)

• Spending time with grandchildren

After retirement, Sonny has remained actively engaged with local church activities and community mentoring programs, especially those aimed at helping underprivileged youth find direction through sports and education.

Public Image and Personality

Sonny Smart is known as a humble, disciplined, and principled man, both in his private and public life. Even as Kirby rose to national fame, Sonny maintained a low profile, avoiding media attention. Yet among those who know him — students, players, teachers, and family — he commands deep respect.

He is often described as:

• Quiet but firm

• Principled but compassionate

• Intelligent but modest

Despite his contributions to Georgia’s football and academic landscape, Sonny has consistently deflected attention from himself and redirected it to community progress and student success.

Who is Sonny Smart’s wife?

Sonny Smart is married to Sharon Smart, a retired teacher who also worked in the Georgia education system.

How many children does Sonny Smart have?

He has three children, including Kirby Smart, the head football coach of the Georgia Bulldogs.

What is Sonny Smart like in real life?

He is known for being humble, principled, and deeply involved in family and community life.

Sonny Smart in the Media

Although Sonny Smart has largely stayed out of the media spotlight, his name has surfaced in numerous articles, interviews, and features — especially as his son Kirby Smart rose to national fame in college football. These media mentions often highlight Sonny’s influence on Kirby’s coaching style and personal development, painting a picture of a strong father figure whose discipline, guidance, and example laid the foundation for his son’s success.

TV, Radio, and Podcast Appearances

Sonny Smart himself rarely gives interviews. However, his story is often told through the words of others — particularly Kirby. In various press conferences and interviews, Kirby has referenced his father when discussing the values that guide his leadership at the University of Georgia.

Key media formats where Sonny Smart has been referenced:

• ESPN College GameDay: Features on Kirby Smart’s upbringing often include mention of Sonny’s coaching legacy.

• The SEC Network: Documentaries and interviews on Southern football culture have briefly highlighted Sonny Smart’s role in Georgia high school sports.

• Podcasts: Sports analysis podcasts like The Paul Finebaum Show have covered Sonny’s background when discussing Kirby’s coaching roots.

“My dad was my biggest influence. He coached, he taught, and he lived the right way. I wouldn’t be here without him.”
— Kirby Smart, ESPN feature on UGA Football

Mentions in News Articles and Blogs

Prominent sports journalism outlets and blogs have referenced Sonny Smart over the years, especially during Georgia’s national championship runs. He is often described as the foundation of the Smart family’s football legacy.

Common themes in media coverage:

• Mentorship and Discipline: How Sonny shaped Kirby’s values

• Education First: His commitment to academics as an educator

• Hometown Legacy: His role in the Bainbridge and Wrightsville communities

Notable mentions include:

• The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

• Sports Illustrated

• 247Sports

• USA Today Sports

Social Media Presence and Public Attention

Unlike many modern figures, Sonny Smart does not maintain an official social media presence. However, during major football events (e.g., national championships, SEC titles), fans and sports accounts frequently mention and honor him on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

He’s become something of a symbol for “old school coaching values,” often referenced in fan discussions and quotes shared by Georgia football enthusiasts.

Is Sonny Smart active on social media?

No, Sonny Smart does not have an official presence on social media platforms.

Has Sonny Smart been interviewed in the media?

Direct interviews are rare, but he is frequently mentioned in features about Kirby Smart and Georgia football.

What do the media say about Sonny Smart?

Media outlets consistently describe him as a disciplined coach, influential father, and respected educator who helped shape Georgia’s football culture.

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Sonny Smart’s Impact on Popular Culture

While Sonny Smart was never a national celebrity or media figure, his story has nonetheless resonated in popular football culture — especially in the southeastern United States. As the father of Kirby Smart, one of college football’s most accomplished modern coaches, Sonny has come to symbolize the values of old-school coaching, discipline, and family-driven mentorship that many fans and players admire.

Mentions in Pop Culture and Entertainment

Though he doesn’t appear in pop culture directly, Sonny Smart’s values have been echoed in narratives around Georgia Bulldogs football and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) football culture more broadly.

Several documentaries, such as ESPN’s SEC Storied series, highlight how southern football dynasties are built on strong family foundations, with Sonny Smart referenced in discussions about coaching lineage and father-son influence in sports.

You’ll also find indirect tributes to Sonny Smart in:

• Georgia Bulldogs fan merchandise (e.g., T-shirts with quotes like “Raised by a Coach”)

• Documentary features on college football family legacies

• Social media threads romanticizing “the coach’s dad” archetype

He represents a kind of cultural archetype: the principled, small-town coach whose legacy is bigger than the scoreboard.

Fan Following and Community Recognition

In Georgia, especially in towns like Bainbridge and Wrightsville, Sonny Smart is held in legendary regard. During major football events — like Georgia’s 2021 and 2022 national championships — fan communities paid tribute to Sonny’s behind-the-scenes influence.

Online forums like UGA Insider, Reddit CFB, and fan Facebook groups often feature:

• Photos of Sonny attending games with his son

• Anecdotes from former students or athletes

• Praise for his role in shaping the Georgia football dynasty

“Kirby might be the coach we see on TV, but his dad — Sonny — was the original coach in that family. That’s where the mindset came from.”
— UGA fan forum commenter, 2022

Internet Memes or Trends Around Sonny Smart

While Sonny Smart himself has never been a meme subject, his identity as “Kirby’s dad” has sparked viral moments, especially around Father’s Day or after big Georgia wins. Memes and social media posts often celebrate him with captions like:

• “The man who made Kirby Smart smart.”

• “Every Kirby needs a Sonny.”

• “The real GOAT is behind the scenes.”

These cultural moments — although light-hearted — reinforce his symbolic influence on the Smart coaching legacy.

Is Sonny Smart mentioned in football documentaries?

Yes, while not always directly featured, his influence is acknowledged in documentaries about SEC football culture and family coaching legacies.

Has Sonny Smart become a symbol in football culture?

Yes, Sonny Smart is seen as a representative of the disciplined, fatherly coach figure behind many successful sports figures.

Are there memes or internet references to Sonny Smart?

Yes, especially in Georgia fan communities, Sonny Smart is often celebrated with memes and quotes, particularly during major wins or family-related features.

Controversies or Challenges Faced by Sonny Smart

In today’s digital age, where public figures are often caught in the spotlight for missteps or controversies, Sonny Smart stands out for his reputation of integrity. Over the decades he spent in education and athletics, there have been no public controversies or scandals associated with him — a rarity for someone with such long-standing influence.

That said, challenges — both personal and professional — are inevitable in any long career. Sonny’s resilience, rather than controversy, defines his legacy.

Any Legal Issues or Criticisms?

To date, there are no documented legal issues or public scandals involving Sonny Smart. His life as a school principal and football coach was marked by a commitment to discipline, fairness, and professionalism. Former colleagues and students consistently describe him as someone who commanded respect without demanding it.

“He wasn’t perfect, but he was honest. If you messed up, he told you. If you worked hard, he backed you.”
— Former faculty member, Bainbridge High School

While any administrator or coach may face occasional pushback — such as decisions on school policy, athletic team selection, or discipline — these are routine challenges in leadership roles and were handled with professionalism in Sonny’s case.

How Sonny Smart Responded to Adversity

Throughout his career, Sonny Smart had to navigate:

• Budget constraints and school funding challenges

• Balancing athletics with academic demands

• Community expectations during periods of team underperformance

Instead of seeking praise or deflecting responsibility, he focused on quiet leadership, long-term development, and consistent standards — a philosophy echoed by his son Kirby in college football.

Sonny’s ability to lead without ego became a model for ethical leadership, especially in public education.

Public Opinion Over Time

If anything, public opinion about Sonny Smart has only grown more favorable over time. In Georgia, he’s viewed as a community pillar, a coach who put values before victories, and a father whose influence extends to national championship glory through his son.

He has come to represent what many believe is missing from modern athletics: humility, mentorship, and discipline without arrogance.

Was Sonny Smart involved in any controversies?

No, there are no known controversies or legal issues involving Sonny Smart. His career was largely free of scandal.

What challenges did Sonny Smart face as a coach and principal?

He dealt with common leadership issues such as budget limitations, balancing academics and athletics, and maintaining discipline — all managed with fairness.

How is Sonny Smart viewed by the public?

He is widely respected as a humble, principled leader who had a lasting positive influence on students and his community.

Business Ventures and Net Worth of Sonny Smart

Unlike many public figures associated with athletics, Sonny Smart never ventured into media deals, product endorsements, or high-profile business investments. Instead, he devoted his life to public education and community coaching — professions rooted in service rather than profit. While he may not appear on any celebrity net worth lists, his legacy and impact are far more valuable than any financial estimate.

Is Sonny Smart Involved in Any Businesses?

There are no public records or credible reports indicating that Sonny Smart is actively involved in business ventures, entrepreneurship, or investment portfolios. His life’s work was centered on:

• High school football coaching

• School administration and leadership

• Community mentorship

These roles, while not associated with large financial gain, are critical pillars of community development, particularly in small-town America.

“He didn’t chase wealth. He built character — in his kids, his players, and in his schools.”
— Former student and current educator in Georgia

Investments or Endorsements

Sonny Smart is not known to have participated in any commercial endorsements or financial partnerships. This aligns with his low-profile, value-driven personality and his commitment to service over publicity.

That said, it’s reasonable to assume he and his wife built a stable financial life through:

• Public education salaries

• Retirement benefits and pensions

• Property ownership in Georgia

These are typical of educators who’ve served the state for decades.

Estimated Net Worth and Financial Success

There is no official or publicly verified estimate of Sonny Smart’s net worth. However, based on his career as a public educator and coach, it’s likely that:

• His net worth falls within the modest range typical for retirees in public service.

• His greatest asset is his family and legacy, not financial wealth.

For reference, public school principals in Georgia during the 1990s–2000s typically earned between $60,000–$90,000 per year, with additional retirement contributions from the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia.

💡 Note: Unlike his son Kirby, whose net worth is estimated to exceed $25 million as a top NCAA coach (Forbes), Sonny Smart’s wealth lies in community respect, family success, and decades of meaningful contribution.

✅ Answer Engine Optimized FAQs

Is Sonny Smart a millionaire?

There’s no public data to confirm this. As a career educator, Sonny Smart likely earned a stable but modest income.

What is Sonny Smart’s estimated net worth?

While not officially reported, his net worth is believed to reflect a retired educator’s standard of living, with pensions and assets accumulated over decades of service.

Has Sonny Smart invested in any businesses?

No known investments or business ventures have been publicly associated with Sonny Smart.

Inspirational Lessons from Sonny Smart

The life and career of Sonny Smart provide more than a biography — they offer a blueprint for leadership, integrity, and lasting impact. Whether you’re a coach, educator, parent, or young athlete, there are powerful lessons to draw from how Sonny lived, taught, and led.

1. Discipline Over Popularity

One of Sonny Smart’s most enduring lessons is that discipline is more valuable than praise. He wasn’t focused on being liked — he was focused on doing what was right. This attitude shaped the behavior of his students and athletes and laid the foundation for a structured, respectful learning and training environment.

“You don’t coach to be loved. You coach to teach people how to love doing things the right way.”
— Shared by a former assistant under Sonny Smart

2. Character Comes Before Championships

Sonny never coached a team to national fame — but he coached people of character who went on to lead lives of meaning and integrity. His greatest success wasn’t wins and losses, but the quality of the individuals who left his programs.

Core character values he emphasized:

• Accountability

• Honesty

• Self-control

• Respect for others

• Mental toughness

These traits are often echoed in how Kirby Smart runs his own football program today at the University of Georgia.

3. Stay Humble, Even When You’re Right

In a media world obsessed with being loud and opinionated, Sonny Smart modeled a quiet, consistent humility. He never sought credit for his son’s success, even as reporters and fans spotlighted him. Instead, he reminded everyone that the work matters more than the recognition.

4. Family is the First Team You Lead

Perhaps Sonny’s greatest legacy is the strength of his family. By raising Kirby Smart in a home filled with clear expectations, love, and structure, Sonny passed on a leadership philosophy that would carry through to national championships.

Even if you never step on a football field, the way Sonny Smart approached fatherhood — with purpose and presence — is a lesson worth emulating.

5. Lead Where You Are

Sonny never needed a stadium or national audience. He made his impact in classrooms, locker rooms, and principals’ offices — places where real life unfolds every day.

His life reminds us that you don’t need fame to lead effectively. You need conviction, consistency, and compassion.

✅ Answer Engine Optimized FAQs

What are the main leadership lessons from Sonny Smart?

Key lessons include: discipline matters more than popularity, character trumps talent, humility builds trust, and effective leadership begins at home.

How did Sonny Smart influence future coaches?

By modeling values-based leadership and focusing on long-term growth over short-term wins, Sonny set the foundation for coaches like Kirby Smart and many others.

What can parents learn from Sonny Smart?

Parents can learn the importance of structure, accountability, and consistency in raising confident, ethical children.

Conclusion: Why Sonny Smart’s Story Still Matters Today

In a world where leadership is often measured by visibility and influence is confused with followers, the story of Sonny Smart stands as a powerful counterexample. His life, built on quiet strength, principled decision-making, and a commitment to community, proves that real leadership doesn’t need a spotlight — it just needs integrity.

A Legacy Bigger Than Football

Though known to many only as the father of Kirby Smart, Sonny carved out a legacy that’s bigger than football. His decades-long dedication to Georgia’s schools, both in the classroom and on the field, left a mark not just on scoreboards, but in the lives of the students and teachers who walked beside him.

He never chased media headlines, million-dollar contracts, or brand deals. Instead, he built a life grounded in service, humility, and excellence — the kind of legacy that outlasts championships.

A Model for Future Generations

From small-town classrooms to the national title stage in college football, the impact of Sonny Smart’s example continues to ripple outward. Whether you’re a coach, teacher, parent, or student, his story offers a blueprint for how to lead with character and how to influence without ego.

Key reasons his story still matters:

• In an era of transactional leadership, he modeled transformational leadership.

• He showed how consistency builds credibility.

• He proved that raising great children is one of life’s highest callings.

“I am who I am because of my dad. His values are the foundation of this program.”
— Kirby Smart, after winning the 2022 National Championship

✅ Answer Engine Optimized FAQs

Why is Sonny Smart important today?

Sonny Smart represents timeless values in education and sports leadership — discipline, character, and service — which are increasingly rare and essential in today’s world.

What can we learn from Sonny Smart’s life?

We learn that true success is about building people, not just winning games. His consistent leadership and parenting have influenced generations.

Is Sonny Smart’s influence still relevant?

Absolutely. His legacy lives on through his son Kirby, and through every student, teacher, and athlete he guided over the years.