Education comes first for Forbes

Sean Blackmon
Contributing Writer

Being named the best track coach in the state and having an invitational meet named after him are points of pride for Jesse Forbes, Godby High School’s track and field coach. But, when asked about his greatest accomplishment, Forbes does not rattle off staggering season statistics or the number of individual awards given his athletes. Instead, he relishes in his students finding success off the track.

“Coaching athletes who want to go to college is my greatest accomplishment,” Forbes said. Born in Tallahassee in 1954 to a mother on welfare, Forbes does not feel victimized by his childhood. In fact, he believes the lessons his mother taught him during those rough times helped him become who he is today.

“We didn’t have much, but we were proud of who she taught us to be,” Forbes said. As an athlete, Forbes competed in Moscow and Russia. He accepted a football and track and field scholarship to Florida State University. However, he suffered a knee injury just two weeks into his first season.

“It [the injury] was devastating. I had to sit out a whole year,” Forbes said. Forbes was downhearted until he realized he had other options. One of his coaches, Dick Roberts, told his mother, “Your son will graduate.” In 1978 Forbes received his bachelor’s degree in physical education. He uses the experience to show students nothing is guaranteed in the world of sports, and that their studies must come first.

“I learned the hard way,” Forbes said. “You can’t run and jump your whole life, because you’re not only in school to compete,” he continued. Education is at the center of Forbes’ philosophy, and this permeates all aspects of Godby’s track and field program. His willingness to go above and beyond simply coaching is what endears him so much to those around him, according to Donald Frost, president of the Godby High School Track Booster Club.

“He is an extremely hard worker,” Frost said. “His dedication is unbelievable when it comes to the development of our kids and the track program.” “You don’t see a lot of people like him, Frost said. He and his coaches pick up trash on the field after meets, sometimes for three hours, so that people riding by don’t think negatively of the school.” Frost said that what matters most to Forbes is not the “L” or the “W” but rather the type of people his program is producing.

“You got a lot of people out there that just want to win, but that’s not his motivation,” Frost said. “It’s making sure our kids understand the value of education.” Forbes’ heavy involvement with his students can sometimes even help influence their career path.

Dione Smith, head coach of Godby’s girls’ basketball team has known Forbes since he trained her to compete in the Olympics. “Any time I needed anything, he was there for me. He always made sure I had my head on straight and kept my grades up,” Smith said. Even though it’s been some time since Smith and Forbes trained together, she said she has seen no change in his approach.

“For him, it’s not just about being an athlete. It’s about making sure you have the academic success and the tools to be successful in your career and life,” Smith said. “Anytime someone calls, he gives advice. He’ll always tell you, ‘I’m just a phone call away,’ and he is –day or night.”