Coach Mike Gavin, a well-deserving coast native, was recently inducted into the national high school athletic coaches association hall of fame in Bismarck, North Dakota. Mississippi has only seven individuals who have received this prestigious honor. News 25 Sports Reporter Ansley Brent had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Coach Gavin, who is now officially a hall of famer.
Mike Gavin, a long time coach on the coast, shared his journey of becoming a coach. He recalled that his interest in coaching began when he started coaching little league baseball during his junior college days. He found joy in dealing with young men at that time and realized that coaching was his true calling. This realization led him to major in coaching at Southern Miss, and it became an essential part of his career. Gavin expressed his gratitude that he pursued his passion for coaching and made it his profession.
Mike Gavin has an extensive coaching career that spans across the Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches, where he has made a significant impact at every stop. He started as an assistant coach at Harrison Central High School in 1973. Later, he became the Head Coach and Athletic Director at St. John High School, where he served for ten years. After that, he continued to lead football programs at East Central and D’Iberville.
Not only did he gain experience at the high school level, but he also continued to advance his career. He served as the Defensive Coordinator at Mississippi Gulf coast Community College, later becoming the principal of Stone County Middle School. Additionally, he coached the Mississippi Fire Dogs and eventually returned to his roots as the Athletic Director for the Harrison County school district until his retirement in 2014.
He has earned numerous District titles, championships, and All-Star rosters as a coach, but what brings him the most pride are the relationships he has formed with his coaches and athletes.
According to Gavin, he has led numerous successful teams throughout his career. However, he takes the most pride in the fact that many of his players have gone on to achieve great success in their personal and professional lives. He mentioned that there are doctors, lawyers, and other accomplished individuals who were once under his guidance on the football field. Knowing that he played a role in their development and eventual success is the highlight of his life.
Gavin’s past players hold him in high regard and feel proud and grateful to have been coached and mentored by him. The admiration is mutual, as Gavin also looks back fondly on his time working with these players.
Chris LeBatard, a member of the 1993 D’Iberville football team, fondly recalls playing under Coach Gavin. He remembers how practice was always a highlight of the week for the team, and how much fun they had during those sessions. According to LeBatard, Coach Gavin’s enthusiasm and enjoyment of what he did translated into the team’s success.
Keith Carter, the Ocean Springs Athletic Director and a former player on the 1992 D’Iberville football team, reminisced about his coach, describing him as a phenomenal mentor who taught them more than just football. “He was a great coach and taught us a lot about not only football, but life in general and it made us tough. He’s a great guy and great teacher as far as football and life goes,” said Carter.
Brian Saffle, a member of the 1992 St. John football team, expressed his gratitude towards his mentor, stating “I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be a mentor in my life.” He further added that his mentor dedicated his entire life to serving the community and preparing young men for the most challenging tasks they may face.
According to Eric Oehms, a member of the 1993 D’Iberville football team, Coach Joe Sablatura had a positive impact on the lives and careers of many individuals from Gulfport in St. John to Hurley at East Central and up to Perk. “Everybody I know that played for him, he just touched so many lives,” Oehms stated.
Coach Gavin’s name will be immortalized in the history books, just like the positive effects and fond memories he has left with his players. Recently, he was inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in Bismarck, North Dakota, making him the eighth Mississippian to receive this prestigious honor. Upon hearing this news, Coach Gavin was overwhelmed with emotion.
Coach Gavin expressed his emotions, saying, “Thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.” He noted that being inducted into the Mississippi Hall of Fame in 2021 was a great honor, but this moment is the highlight of his career.
Oehms expressed his disappointment at not being able to attend the event and conveyed his joy for the honoree. He reminisced about being present when the Mississippi Coaches Hall of Fame inducted the same individual and believed that the recognition was well-deserved.
Carter expressed his happiness and admiration towards the recipient of the recognition by saying, “It’s awesome for him. He deserves it, I hope he enjoys it, enjoys all the time and recognition he’s getting because he deserves every bit of it. He was a great coach.”
LaBatard congratulated the coach and expressed his admiration saying, “You are 100% first class all-time.”
According to Brian Saffle, he knows of no one else more deserving of it than him. “There is absolutely nobody else that I personally know that deserves it more than he does,” Saffle stated.
According to Coach Gavin, his induction into the hall of fame would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of his exceptional assistant coaches over the years. He also acknowledged that his supportive family played a crucial role in the creation of this prestigious award.
