Jacksonville State University Athletics

Ray Wedgeworth’s coaching expertise provided Gamecock fans great moments in football, basketball, and baseball. Labeled a “defensive genius” by head coach Don Salls, Wedgeworth’s defensive units established records that may never be broken. The Gamecocks led the nation in scoring defense and rushing defense in 1947, allowing only 4.2 points and 56 yards rushing per game. Jacksonville shut out its first six opponents in 1955. Wedgeworth served as head coach in football (1953), basketball (1951-53), and baseball (1964-69). He posted a 32-14 record in basketball, providing JSU with one of its finest wins ever in 1953 when the Gamecocks upset Alabama’s “Rocket Eight” team, 67-64. In baseball, Wedgeworth carried his teams to the playoffs almost every year, compiling a 65-50 record.