Apr 8th, 2019
Jackson State Community College faculty and staff along with current and former softball players came together Friday, April 5, to honor the long-time coach, Jim Swope, who established and fostered the growth of the program in its early years.
Coach Jim Swope began his coaching career at JSCC on July 1, 1968, as the head coach of the women's basketball team. He began coaching the softball program in 1995.
Kim Cunningham was on the first softball team for JSCC and pitched the first game. She and other teammates were present for the event. Cunningham recalled Swope's patience with the team of girls. The coach used to transport the team to games all over the state in a passenger van.
Many fond memories were shared by others such as Dr. Walter Nelms, JSCC's second president, and Coach Steve Cornelison, JSCC's current athletic director.
Coach Swope's career at Jackson State included women's head basketball coach, physical education instructor, chairman of the Department of Education and Physical Education, and athletic director. Swope retired in 2007 after 42 years of teaching and coaching. He continued teaching at JSCC as an adjunct professor through the spring of 2011.
Photos from the event can be seen at: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmbq28Nn