Jerry Taylor
Class of 2008
Few coaches in Madison County have influenced as many young athletes as Jerry Taylor, whose remarkable career in junior high basketball spanned more than three decades.
Taylor was born in Booneville, Mississippi, but grew up in Zion, Illinois, where he developed his love for sports. At Zion-Benton Township High School he excelled in basketball, baseball and golf, demonstrating the competitive drive that would later define his coaching career.
After graduating in 1968, Taylor attended Florence State University, now the University of North Alabama, where he earned a degree in Physical Education. Determined to pursue a career in education and athletics, he began teaching and coaching soon after completing his studies.
In 1973 Taylor moved to Madison County and joined the staff at Monrovia Junior High School. There he quickly established himself as a successful basketball coach. His boys’ teams captured county championships during the 1976-77 and 1978-79 seasons, setting the stage for a long and influential career in coaching.
Taylor earned a master’s degree from Alabama A&M University in 1975 and continued to develop his coaching philosophy centered on discipline, teamwork and strong fundamentals.
In 1980 he moved to Riverton Junior High School, where he would build one of the most impressive coaching records in the history of Madison County athletics. Over the next 35 years Taylor coached both eighth-grade boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, compiling an extraordinary overall record of 1,100 wins and 426 losses.
His teams captured numerous county championships, including five titles with the girls’ program. More importantly, Taylor helped develop young athletes who continued their careers at higher levels of competition. A total of 43 of his former players went on to play college basketball.
Taylor’s contributions have been widely recognized. He was named Madison County Coach of the Year in 1977, 1979 and 1993 and received the Alabama High School Athletic Association Merit Award in 1993. He has also been honored by the Alabama House of Representatives for his service to education and athletics.
Taylor credits his success to the influence of his parents, the support of his wife Martha and the encouragement of family and friends. The Taylors have two sons, seven grandchildren and are active members of Asbury United Methodist Church.
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