Leadership, Legacy, and the Coaches Who Built Both

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”— Jackie Robinson

Roswell is a city rich in tradition, and nowhere is that more evident than on a Friday night under the lights. But this week at Roswell Rotary, we bring the gridiron to the stage.

At this week’s meeting, we have the honor of welcoming five legendary Roswell High School football coaches to our club—Ray Manus, Tim McFarlin, John Coen, Pete Poulos, and Wayne Smith. These men are more than coaches. They are mentors, motivators, and master builders of character and community. Between them, they’ve shaped generations of young men and women, built championship programs, and earned the respect of a town that knows what true leadership looks like.

Coach Ray Manus, the namesake of the very field where so many Roswell victories have played out, is a cornerstone of Hornet history. Tim McFarlin brought home a state championship and taught discipline through excellence. John Coen’s hall of fame career built a legacy led with heart and humility with compassion for his students. Pete Poulos’ hard-nosed perseverance influenced players long after the final whistle. And Wayne Smith’s commitment to football and wrestling built character and left a permanent mark on the programs. Together, they represent decades of coaching brilliance and a collective influence that goes well beyond the scoreboard.

Their presence reminds us that leadership is not just about titles or wins. It’s about legacy—the kind that comes from showing up every day with integrity, investing in others, and leaving things better than you found them. Great coaches, like great Rotarians, understand that their success is measured not only in trophies but in the lives they impact. 

“A coach will impact more young people in a year than the average person does in a lifetime.” — Billy Graham 

As Rotarians, we, too, are called to that same kind of leadership. Whether we’re organizing a tournament, mentoring a student, or funding a local project, we are planting seeds that will grow into something far greater than ourselves. The coaches on our stage this week didn’t just lead teams—they built a culture. And that’s what Rotary does at its best. We lead with vision, we serve with heart, and we build legacies that stand the test of time.

This week’s program is not just for football fans—it’s for anyone who values commitment, mentorship, and the power of investing in others. It’s a reminder that the principles that make a great coach are the same principles that make a great Rotarian: humility, service, consistency, and love of community.

Let’s pack the room this Thursday and show our appreciation not only for the wins these men brought to the field—but for the values they instilled in our community. Bring a guest, bring your stories, and bring your gratitude.

“A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.”— John Wooden

Leadership and legacy. Let’s celebrate both.

Sic Vos Non Vobis,

Trummie Lee Patrick III
President, Roswell Rotary Club
“Service Above Self. Tradition Beyond the Game.”