Jasper, Indiana, is mourning the loss of former high school football coach Jerry Brewer, who passed away on Friday morning at the age of 87. Brewer was known as one of the most successful coaches in Indiana history, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that will not be forgotten.
Born in Paducah, Kentucky, Brewer graduated from Paducah Tilghman before earning an education degree in 1959 from Western Kentucky State Teachers College—now called Western Kentucky University. That same year, he took on the role of head football coach at Jasper High School, where he would go on to have an extraordinary career that lasted 44 seasons over six decades.
Under Brewer’s guidance, the Jasper Wildcats became a formidable force in high school football, especially starting in the 1970s. The team captured 10 sectional and regional championships, and during his tenure, they advanced to the state championship game three times. The pinnacle of Brewer’s coaching career came in 2001 when the Wildcats won the Class 4A title by defeating Delta.
By the time Brewer retired in 2003, he had accumulated an impressive record of 368 wins, 105 losses, and 2 ties. This made him the all-time winningest coach in Indiana high school football history. His resume also includes nine undefeated regular seasons and 20 conference championships.
Brewer’s achievements were widely recognized; he was inducted into the Indiana Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1992 and the National Hall of Fame in 2023. In honor of his contributions to the sport, the Jasper football stadium was named after him, solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the community.
As Jasper reflects on his outstanding legacy, Brewer leaves behind a deep impact on both his players and the local community. His dedication to coaching and his influence in the sport will be remembered for generations to come.
