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ROY -- On the field and in the classroom, Ernest Jacklin has helped shape the lives of hundreds of young men at Roy High School.
Jacklin is well known in the community. He taught math at Roy High for 26 years and coached the school's football team for 13.
Former Assistant Coach Ralph Carter said, "We were always in the running for the region championship and state qualification. We made state championships or state tournament several times."
Coach Jacklin's son, Wade, said, "He was successful and that was from what he taught each of us who played for him."
Family members say those lessons included caring for the boys more than caring about winning, and teaching them that there are no shortcuts in life.
"He was always fair and he taught hard work," Wade Jacklin said.
One of coach's memorable moments of being fair came several years ago when he received a phone call from the father of a new student who wanted to play ball.
"He said, ‘Do you have room on your team for a pretty good athlete?' I said, ‘Sure, we're always looking for good athletes,'" Coach Jacklin said. "I said, ‘Well, I won't make you any promises, but if he's the best he'll be the one playing.'"
Coach remembers putting that boy in a game following a dismal first half from his starting quarterback.
"It was obvious right away who was the best," coach said.
That boy never lost his position. The team went 20-0 his last two years. That boy grew up to be BYU superstar Jim McMahon, who went on to win two Super Bowls.
Coach Jacklin has won honors in his own career, including two high school state championships, Coach of the Year two times, and induction into the Utah High School Sports Hall of Fame.
His daughter-in-law, Chyleen Jacklin, nominated him for a KSL High 5.
"He's worked so hard his whole life. I just feel like it's time to recognize him for all his hard work," she said.
A special thank you to our friends at Les Schwab, who are vested in our community and our partners in helping to share stories of individuals who are doing admirable things.
If you know someone who deserves a High 5, nominate them here.
