Longtime Oxford resident and retired high school coach Elmer Ball was recently inducted into the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association’s (MITCA) Hall of Fame.
Ball, who has lived in Oxford since 1954, was the drafting teacher at Oxford High School for 36 years. He retired from teaching in 1990.
During his career, Ball was the head cross country coach from 1963-1974. He also filled in from 1995-1996. His coaching record stands 123-21 in dual meets, the team was state runner up in 1971, and he coached two individual state champions: Jim Goodfellow in 1969 and Doug O’Berry in 1971.
In addition, Ball was the assistant track coach from 1964-1981 and then head track coach from 1981-1992. During this time, Oxford went 101-18 in dual meets, had eight league championships, two regional championships and 11 individual state champions. The Wildcats were Oakland County Co-Champions in 1983 and State Champions in 1991.
“He was my mentor when I started coaching track and cross country,” said current Head Cross Country Coach Ray Sutherland, who has known ball for 32 years. “He is an amazing coach – he’s just great with the kids.”
“He’s extremely knowledgable and patient. He works with the kids with great know-how and skill.”
Ball has received several awards throughout his coaching career. He was named Oakland County Coach of the Year in 1988 and 1991, MITCA Coach of the Year in 1991, and MITCA President in 1975. He was also the winner of MITCA’s Charles Sweeney Award in 1988.
When he learned of his induction into the MITCA Hall of Fame, Ball was very surprised.
“I thought ‘Somebody made a mistake’ when they first told me,” he laughed. “No, I’m kidding, I was pleased when I heard. Very, very pleased.”
However, Ball credits his success as a coach to his assistants.
“I had wonderful assistants in Ray Sutherland, my son Michael and Mr. Raffin,” he stated. “I couldn’t have accomplished what I did without them.”
As he looks over his teaching and coaching years, Ball said the kids were the most important thing.
“My favorite part was working with the kids. Most are so nice, they do as you ask and are respectful. Since retiring, I really miss being with the kids, where I am there aren’t very many.”
“I’m very proud of everything that happened while I coached, but I think the best thing was that I coached 11 state champions in track,” he added.
Today, Ball spends his winters in Florida, where he still runs or walks at least 10 miles a day. “I’m the talk of the village down here – they all think I’m crazy,” he joked.
But before Ball leaves for the sunny state, Sutherland said he still comes to assist with the cross country team.
“He’s been assisting with the team for the past seven years,” added Sutherland. “He is one of the great ones.”
“I really enjoy coming to watch the kids,” said Ball. “As I get older and watch them coaching today, I really appreciate the kids more and more.”