'He's the GOAT:' Frank Jolley's longtime sports sources give him send-off as he retires

LEESBURG — The Daily Commercial's longtime sports reporter and columnist Frank Jolley is retiring today.

And on Wednesday evening, the Leesburg Lightning honored Jolley, who has worked for the Commercial for 19 years. The team praised Jolley for his commitment to local sports, especially the Lightning — he's been at every home opener since the team's inception in 2006.

Then, they played his favorite song — and according to Jolley, the best song ever written — "A Day in the Life" by The Beatles.

He took the mound with his son, Trey, and his granddaughter, Makena Dorelus, and one of his grandsons, Maukai Dorelus, who threw the first pitch.

Jolley won't just be missed at the Lightning games, but in press boxes and on the sidelines at fields and on courts all across Lake and Sumter Counties.

We reached out to his longtime sources, who also applauded Jolley's work over the years. Here's what they had to say:

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"Frank has been with us since day one over 15 years ago and has never missed a beat. The Lightning has benefitted greatly from his coverage, but more importantly, our community has gained even more. Frank is the gold standard in sports journalism, and his legacy will live on forever through the athlete's stories he's shared. I can't think of anyone more deserving."

— Tyler Brandeburg, Leesburg Lightning president

"Frank has always been professional in all that he covered. He truly represented his profession throughout Lake and Sumter Counties. His love for sports writing, Lake and Sumter county sports, and especially all of the athletes showed in his coverage of every event. We will miss Frank Jolley. We love you Frank!"

— Steven Hayes, Mount Dora Christian Academy head varsity boys basketball coach

“I’ve known Frank for over 15 years but it was a pleasure working with him. And to be honest I hate to see him leave because he’s an ally when it comes to the media. He was one of those guys who knew what I wanted to say and how I wanted to say it. Sometimes I would just give him a tidbit of it and he would run with it and would know exactly what I need. I wish him well and I can’t wait till I get to my retirement age so I can enjoy myself too.”

— Walter Banks, Lake Minneola High School football coach

"Frank Jolley is very special to Mount Dora Christian Academy and especially to myself and Coach Hayes. We will miss waking up the morning after our big games to read what he had to say. Thank you Frank Jolley for everything you've done for the athletic community. Your legacy will leave an enduring impact on sports journalism and the athletic community in Lake and Sumter counties. There will always be a table on our sidelines for you!"

— Megan Ziegelhofer, Mount Dora Christian Academy Director of Athletics

“He’s going to be missed tremendously. His commitment and his dedication to Lake County is very evident in all the sports that he covers. Specifically for me, he’s always shown respect, compassion, and the love for sports and for my sport, softball. And also just the love and compassion he has for the athletes and coaches. I’m very, very, very sad and I’m very proud. He’s a great person and overall a great sports writer and he’s going to be missed tremendously,”

— Brittany Beall, Eustis High School softball and girls weightlifting coach

“Well first of all I’d like to say that he’s the GOAT (greatest of all time) in sports writing industry. Over the years he’s been good to me and my program that I’ve coached. I consider Frank a true friend and our relationship goes beyond the newspaper. I’m going to miss him but I wish him and his family well,”

— Mark Oakes, Leesburg High School football coach

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Lake and Sumter County sports teams salute Frank Jolley as he retires