The 1988 Rhodes football team was the first Lynx football team to play in the NCAA Division III National Playoffs. The 1988 team was also the first Rhodes football team to begin the season with seven consecutive wins. The last eight games of the 1987 season and the first seven games of the 1988 season rank as the most successful period in Rhodes football history. During this period the Lynx compiled a 14-0-1 record. The 1988 team was part of a four-year undefeated home-win streak, during which the Lynx compiled a 15-0-2 record at Fargason Field from 1987-1990.
Head coach Mike Clary believed great football teams were built around a strong defense and great kicking game. The Lynx had a fiery and inspiring defensive coordinator in Coach Leland Smith. The entire Rhodes team was extremely strong, reaping the benefit of four years of Coach Smith’s strength program. The defensive front seven was extremely strong and physical, and the secondary had great skill and athleticism. Jim Elgin joined the defensive staff in 1988 as the secondary coach, and part-time coach Bob Farmer worked with the defensive line.
Gordon Ellingsworth was the Lynx offensive line coach, and the highly efficient wing-t offense Clary installed in 1985 was the perfect system for the hard-nosed, technique-oriented Ellingsworth. Coach E was assisted by the legendary John Whittaker, better known as Coach Whit, and the offensive staff also included part-time wide receivers coach Frank Leaks. The offense was anchored by an exceptional offensive line, had outstanding speed at running back, as well as great skill at quarterback and tight end. The wide receiver corps was talented, with a lot of depth.
The 1988 team also had a great athletic trainer in Brian Gerry, who played defensive back at Southwest State (MN) and was every bit as competitive as any player or coach. Brian was assisted by senior student-trainers Kirk Stone and Clay Merchant.
Carrying on the tradition of success built by the 85-87 Lynx teams, the 1988 seniors compiled a 29-6-3 regular season record in their four years of play. The senior class was not only very talented, but they were also great leaders. Playing on the defensive side of the ball was Kevin Williams, Jerome Franklin, Joey Nesbit, Jim Apple, Ken Kieklak, Jeff Chandler and Jamie Augustine. Playing on the offensive side of the ball was Matt Ketcham, Steve Heinz, Kevin Brumlow, Charles Holt and Chuck Wade. For their exceptional leadership, at the conclusion of the year, the team selected Mike Mammarelli, Trey Clark, Scott Decker, and Larry Hayes as team captains.
For the thrills they provided on Fargason Field and their loyalty and engagement with their alma mater, it is an honor for Rhodes College to induct the 1988 Football Team into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 19th day of October, 2018. Pride-Lynx-Pride!
1988 Football Roster
Jim Apple, Jamie Augustine, Trey Babin, Robbie Barclay, Pat Blanner, Jamie Breitbeil, Gordon Brewer, David Brooks, Kevin Brumlow, Ty Brunson, Jeff Chandler, Trey Clark, Kevin Clingan, Scott Decker, Chad Dunston, Ricky Eskildsen, Pete Ferrara, Jason Files, Greg Foster, Jerome Franklin, John Gilluly, Lane Grayson, Jimmy Griggiths, Hans Hager, West Hammond, Larry Hayes, Robert Heck, Steve Heinz, John Hobbs, Charles Holt, Steve Horn, Brad Jenkins, Terry Johns, Louis Jolley, Brian Jones, Brady Jubenville, David Kahalley, Matt Ketcham, Ken Kieklak, Marcus Kimbrough, Ken Knecht, John Krug, Tim Kutas, Tim Lantham, Will Lybrook, Mike Mammarelli, Kevin Marks, Kyle Marks, Scott McMahan, Mike McQuillen, Clay Merchant, Mark Miller, Tim Murphy, Maurice Myrdsong, Bryan Nerren, Joey Nesbit, David Oberle, Will Owen, Walt Powell, Dan Pride, Ray Rando, Brett Robinson, Russell Rutledge, Chad Sirk, Todd Smith, Cade Smith, Marvin Spears, Steve Staid, Kirk Stone, Richard Stout, Brett Sulzer, Leroy Summey, Rob Taylor, Ray Turcotte, Bill Van Cleve, Rodney Vanhoose, Steve Varady, Chuck Wade, Bennie Watson, Kyle Webb, Doug Weible, Madison Wells, Kevin Williams, Kent Winfield, Chris Womack, Bruce Zacharzuk....
Coaches:Â
Mike Clary, Jim Elgin, Gordon Ellingsworth, Bob Farmer, Brian Gerry, Frank Leaks, Leland Smith, John Whittaker
