Green, Webb inducted into All Sports Association HOF
OKALOOSA ISLAND -- One was a "barrier breaker," Mr. Fort Walton Beach High. The other won wherever he went.
Together, they represent two legends. Two state champs. Two leaders of young men.
On Wednesday, Ernie Green and Jeff Webb were united in their enshrinement into the All Sports Association Hall of Fame in front of family, friends and ASA members at the Emerald Coast Convention Center.
Green, a 35-year educator who bled Viking navy blue, red and white as he coached everything from football to tennis to soccer and track and field, was inducted posthumously by his son, E.G., and wife, Vivian, after his death in 2020.
E.G. described his dad as a man who kept God first, who loved every one of his players big and small -- "they didn't have to be Danny Wuerffel" -- who never had a bad day in his life, and had a smile plastered on his face.
"Who ever saw my dad mad?" E.G. asked the crowd.
Nary a hand raised.
Ernie was just that special, a man who served his country in the Air Force, who earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at UWF, who helped lead FWB football to a state title in 1991, but more importantly served thousands of youth in his many teaching, administrative and coaching roles from 1980 to 2015 before retiring.
Webb, likewise, had an impact that reached innumerable youth.
His resume includes 279 wins and state titles at Walton in1985 and Baker in 1993.
Terry Pilcher, a former player under Webb and next year's ASA president, shared an anecdote about his senior year in a game where Webb's team led 63-0 at half and the visitors didn't even bother to come out after halftime. Parker and his teammates thought their weekend was starting early.
Webb had other plans, counting down the clock as his players did sprints into the night. After all, Webb took no shortcuts. Was nothing but life lessons.
"He shaped me in the man I am today," Parker said.
Webb, keeping it short and sweet and refusing to bask in the spotlight he so rightfully deserved, thanked the ASA and people in attendance succinctly for this honor.
He was proud. He was content. He was in unfamiliar territory, too often shining the spotlight on others instead of himself.
And that's exactly what defines these two legends, who join 40 other ASA HOF inductees -- a prized class, the treasures of the Emerald Coast athletic scene.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Green, Webb inducted into All Sports Association HOF
