1998 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE | JOHN W. VICARS
Milligan College proudly inducts John W. Vicars into its Athletics Hall of Fame for his Christian example and his outstanding coaching ability.
John graduated from Milligan College in 1958 with a B.S. in health and physical education. He received a master’s degree from ETSU in administration. While at Milligan, John was an outstanding intramural student-athlete under Coach Duard Walker. After graduation he taught and coached football and basketball at Gate City High School. He was the football offensive line coach for 25 years and helped lead the team to the AA State Football Championships in 1970 and 1974.
John was also a basketball coach for 25 years at Gate City High School. From 1958-1964 he was the JV coach with 86 wins and 22 losses. He was head varsity basketball coach from 1964-1983, during which time he led his team to the Sub-State in 1966 and 1967. His team won the District Season Championship seven times and the District Tournament Championship eight times. During all 25 years of coaching basketball, he never had a losing season, with an overall record of 411 wins and 140 losses.
The Virginia High School Coaches’ Association presented John with a 300-Career Wins Milestone Award, the Twenty-five Years Career Award and a Lifetime Membership in the Virginia High School League.
John was respected by his players, not only for his knowledge of the game, but as a teacher of Christian values throughout his career. He was known for his calmness and composure on the bench and the respect he in turn showed for his players.
John is well known in Gate City and surrounding areas for his contribution to the community. He is an active church member at First Baptist Church, Gate City where he serves as a deacon and trustee. Recently he served as church administrator for eight months during the absence of a pastor, and he is on the board of directors for Harvest Children’s Home.
He was presented a plaque by former players at his varsity retirement recognition service that said, “The games you have won, the lessons that you taught and the living example that you have set remain forever in the lives you have touched.” - 1958-1983 Gate City High School Athletes.
After leaving coaching, John served as an elementary principal for eight years before retiring in 1991. He then returned to coaching at Gate City Middle School, a hobby he continues to enjoy now.
He is married to the former Judith Reutebuch, also a 1958 graduate of Milligan College. They have three children: Rebecca Lawson, Gayle Ervin and John Daniel Vicars. They also have four grandchildren.