Lee Trawick Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
Joey Pearson began his professional career at Lafayette High School (LHS) in August of 1991, coaching football, weightlifting and track and field before moving into the Athletic Director position. During his coaching career, Pearson was the assistant football coach for the Hornets from 1991 through 1998 and filled in various roles on the coaching staff.
In 1999, Pearson was named the Hornets' head coach, where he began what would turn out to be a Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) Hall of Fame career. He racked up 155 wins over a 20-year career as head coach, leading the Hornets to six District Championships, one Final Four appearance and 15 playoff appearances in 20 seasons. He was named as an assistant coach in the 2010 FACA All-Star game and was a representative on the FACA Board of Directors from 2010 through 2022. In 2019, Pearson was inducted into the FACA Hall of Fame for his accomplishments and record. However, he has never been one to receive praise for his accolades; he is more comfortable helping others. Pearson coached and helped launch the college careers of 33 different kids through his program, 64 All-State honorees and five First Team All-State quarterbacks.
While being an assistant football coach, he was also the weightlifting head coach from 1992 through 1997. During this time, he coached one lifter to a State Championship. Pearson also coached track and field from 1992 through 2002 and again from 2004 through 2006. In his tenure as the track and field coach, Pearson led his team to five District Championships, six individual State Champion titles and his team finished in the top five of the state two times.
In small towns, high school football coaches are revered, not because of the Friday night lights, but because of life's lessons taught on the gridiron. These kids continue through life and apply the lessons they have learned throughout the remainder of their lives. Pearson has coached over 1,000 kids over his career and has left a life-lasting impact on them. Lafayette legendary baseball player and coach Edward Perry once said, “If you can coach a kid on the field and reach him in life, you are a successful coach." Pearson has done exactly that for nearly 30 years. Pearson has solidified his career with the crown of a Hall of Fame coach and, while he is very proud of this status, what he takes the most pride in is simply the title of “coach” and seeing his former players over the last 30 years continue to call him "Coach" today.
Former Hornets football and track and field star and current Hornet head coach Marcus Edwards, reflects on playing football and running track for Pearson. “When you are playing for a coach, you expect certain things. One of those things is that he will be there when you get there. No matter where 'there' might be. Coach Pearson has always been there, whether it be track, football or as Athletic Director," Edwards said. "It's weird to think that it is coming to an end. As an adult and co-worker, I couldn't be more excited for him." Pearson will retire in June and, while he may no longer be on the LHS campus, the legacy he leaves behind will last for generations to come.