John Luke Webb

 

 

John Luke Webb was a "triple threat" at Freed-Hardeman College from 1931-1933, playing football, basketball and baseball. He served as captain of the basketball teams and alternate captain of the football team. He was an All-Mississippi Valley Conference back and All-MVC shortstop in the 1932-33 season.

 

He completed his education at Lambuth College where he continued to play all three sports. In 1933, he was captain of the basketball team and voted Best Male Athlete. In 1934, he became an MVC All-Star in basketball, the conference batting champion and All-MVC shortstop. The Jackson Sun, in various articles, described Webb as: a "sharp shooter", "the old reliable", "wizard shot", "the old faithful", and the "most dependable back".

After graduating from Lambuth, Webb returned to Perry County, TN., where he coached football, basketball and baseball at both the grade school and high school levels. He also played on independent baseball and basketball teams for several years. Webb's career included many years as principal of Linden Elementary School.

He is remembered as one who was willing to spend the extra time with one who wanted to learn, either in class or in athletics. A student remembers his saying, "After the cheering is over, you'll still need the education to hold on to a job."