Rep. Clyde Kersey honors ISU coaching legend John Jay McNichols

INDIANAPOLIS – Members of the House of representatives today joined State Representative Clyde Kersey (D-Terre Haute) in honoring Indiana State University coaching legend John Jay McNichols.

During a career coaching track and field and cross-country at Indiana State that started in 1983, McNichols helped guide his teams to 38 Missouri Valley Conference championships, and coached 15 NCAA champions, 87 All-American athletes, and several Olympians.

He was also the most honored coach in Indiana State University history, claiming 28 Coach of the Year Awards.

Born in Iowa, McNichols graduated from Edgewood High School in Ellettsville. He attended Indiana University on a track and field scholarship earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

He started his coaching career at the Monroe County Community School Corporation coaching track and field, cross country, football, and wrestling.

Kersey also cited McNichols’ dedication to the Terre Haute community through his work on creation of the Wabashiki and Heritage trails.

He also supported Indiana State University’s involvement in the development of the riverfront by building a new outdoor track facility on the eastern banks of the Wabash River.

“The good work of John McNichols has spread far beyond the borders of Terre Haute,” said Kersey. ”His influence was felt nationally and internationally through his efforts on the NCAA Track Rules Committee and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic committee.

“He was also inducted into the Indiana Track and Cross County Hall of Fame and the Drake Relays Coaches Hall of Fame for his outstanding work and leadership,” he added.

“John McNichols was not only a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, but an outstanding man and coach,” Kersey concluded. “He will be missed by all who knew him or had the pleasure of coming in contact with him.”