John T. Willett '78

John T. Willett was a member of the football, basketball, track, and wrestling teams. J.T. earned four varsity letters in football including one as a 7th grader, playing on the varsity team. As an offensive tackle, he was a key factor in opening holes for the running backs, and as defensive tackle, he took great pleasure in shutting down the opponents’ running game and sacking the quarterback. He was the leading tackler on the 1977 state runner-up team and in one game was credited with 14 tackles, five sacks, and two recovered fumbles. J.T. was a respected leader both on and off the field. He was the first recipient of the Florence Ann Hay Memorial Award, student council president, captain of the football team his senior year, and was selected to the 1978 All-State football team. He also earned three varsity letters in track, one in basketball, and one in wrestling, placing third in the Junior Olympic State AAU tournament. Upon graduation, J.T. played football at the University of Arkansas for one year before an injury ended his playing days.