A special night in Tiger Stadium: School honors Hammond and football team wins

Saturday, August 30, 2014 - 7:29pm

Members of Jim Hammond's family, including wife Cathy were on hand Friday night as the school honored former Tiger Football Coach Jim Hammond, who passed away recently.

Photo by Bill Burris, Photography for Kings County

Lemoore’s most successful football coach was honored prior to Friday night’s home football opener in Tiger Stadium. Jim Hammond, who in his 25 years at Lemoore High School, coached basketball, golf, track and of course football, earned a spot as one of the top coaches in the Valley. Hammond perfected a no-huddle offense and his program became one of the top football schools in the San Joaquin Valley - winning numerous league championships.

Lemoore Principal Rodney Brumit presented his son, Jim, and the rest of the family a token of Lemoore’s appreciation.

Wins and statistics don’t tell the whole story however, as Coach Hammond, a man of few words, led his teams by his example of honesty, integrity and accountability. During his recent illness the family has heard from several former players who have attributed much of their success in life to their coach. One former player echoed the sentiments of many when he said, “He took boys and made them men…not just a coach…a maker of men.”

In 1971, Jim and wife Cathy started the Hammond Swim School, where Jim brought his patience and calm presence, as well as his famous whistle, to teach swimming (and life lessons) to scores of Kings County youth. The school, which remains in operation today under daughter Mary Hill, has turned out over 25,000 new swimmers.

After retiring, Hammond continued to follow football, rarely missing a Tiger game and spending much of the season in front of the television. He always watched as a coach, never a fan, never rooting for a particular team. He loved to see the game played well.

Lemoore’s 2014 team won the game Friday night, beating visiting Monache 28-24.