Jerry Brewer

 

When Jerry Brewer came to Jasper High School fresh out of Western Kentucky University, he oozed charisma, but lacked experience.

 

He left the Wildcats' program 44 years later as the winningest football coach in Indiana prep history — his Paducah, Ky., drawl still intact.

 

Now 70, Brewer will be honored when the official dedication and renaming of Alumni Stadium to Jerry Brewer Alumni Stadium will take place before Jasper's home game with Boonville at 6:30 p.m. CDT on Friday.

 

Not even 22, Brewer didn't look much older than his players when he came to Jasper. His wife, Jorene (who died in 1995), suggested he wear a houndstooth hat, similar to one worn by University of Alabama coaching legend Bear Bryant, so he would look older.

 

"I was three years older than some of the seniors when I came here," said Brewer, who posted a 368-105-2 record in 44 seasons, all at Jasper, before retiring after the 2002 season. "I wore the straw hat after Bear Bryant to some degree – I idolized that Bear."

 

Good story about a Kentucky native.

Jasper is a nice town. I could live there.

Jasper is a great town. I had a cousin that was team captain a couple years ago when they made a big run to state. They have a great football weightroom and lockerroom.