End Of Bubba Era Coincided With End Of 3-Sport Athlete
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| Bubba Coleman juggled three sports at Davie - football, basketball and baseball. |
Bubba Coleman was the athlete we all would like to be. The top dog of his era and one of the most decorated athletes in Davie’s 52-year history, Bubba could play anything, and Bubba didn’t need a last name. When you mentioned “Bubba” in 1992-93, everyone knew you were talking about the mighty mite who was all-Central Piedmont Conference in football, basketball and baseball. Better yet, he played the premier position in each sport - quarterback, point guard and shortstop.
Jesse Eugene Coleman was inducted into the Davie County High School Athletic Hall of Fame in fall 2005. He and wife Heather live in Advance. They have a young son, Braddock.
When he was growing up in Cooleemee, no one ever called him Jesse. He got his nickname from twin sister Jami.
“When I was little, Jami was always trying to say ‘brother,’” Bubba said in ‘93. “It wasn’t coming out clearly. She mumbled something and it came out ‘Bubba.’ That’s what it’s been ever since.”
What made Bubba unusual is he established impeccable hall-of-fame credentials despite a 5-foot-7, 150-pound frame. He was listed at 150, which means he was probably closer to 140. But he proved there are no such things as an undersized quarterback or point guard.
He was named all-CPC in five straight seasons, including twice in basketball and baseball. He made the all-state team in baseball. Davie’s end-of-year athletic banquet in ‘93 belonged to Bubba: Male Athlete of the Year, Golden Helmet award in football, most valuable player in basketball and MVP in baseball. He was the only CPC baseball player named to the Greensboro News & Record all-state first team.
From the first day of football practice through Davie’s final baseball game, Bubba’s picture was in the sports section 35 times. Not only was he one of the best all-around athletes ever, he was one of the most-loved players of all time.
But through all the accolades and publicity, few stars have ever deflected praise as quickly as Bubba. He couldn’t have cared less if he made headlines. All he wanted to do was play ball and have fun, and he carried an enthusiastic personality that was infectious.
“He has an air about him,” the baseball coach, Dave Hunt, said in ‘93. “He doesn’t strut, but he has that flash. I looked over and saw him signing an autograph for a little kid. Bubba has that charisma. He’s of small stature and is smiling and outgoing. Kids flock to that ... subscribe to the Davie County Enterprise Record, P.O. Box 99, Mocksville, N.C. 27028.