For 20 years John Hughes '78 has been on courts, fields and courses around the Southeast covering Panther Athletics as Sports Information Director at LaGrange College.
The responsibilities associated with being an SID are complex and time-consuming. For 16 years, Hughes ran the Sports Information office as a one-person department while the Panthers competed in as many as 18 NCAA Division III sports.
Hughes' duties include publicizing the student-athlete experience, keeping the athletic website up to date, organizing game-day coverage, maintaining statistics, taking photos and fulfilling requirements with the NCAA and USA South Athletic Conference. He also works with the Communications and Marketing office to promote athletics to a wide audience.
"He is one of the hardest-working people on this campus," said News and Feature Writer Debby Baker. "It is difficult to imagine covering all those games and events for many years by yourself. He has a stellar work ethic, and he has been a champion of LC Athletics since Day 1. John believes each sport is important and each student-athlete is special."
Hughes officially reports to Senior Director for Communications and Marketing Dean Hartman. It was Hughes who first approached Hartman in 2002 about wanting to work at LaGrange as the college's first full-time SID.
"John has quietly worked behind the scenes to bring increased visibility to LaGrange College Athletics," Hartman said. "His dedication to accuracy and proper recognition for every student-athletes' accomplishments have made a huge difference."
Hughes' loyalty to his alma mater has been unwavering, according to Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Golf Coach Shannon Lipham.
"John has been the one constant in our Athletics department throughout the years," he said. "He is someone we all have been able to lean on for advice or help to give us direction in tough moments. He has always been practical and hardworking."
Hughes has been described as stoic, quiet and reserved. Friends say he has a good personality, with a fondness for fun and pranks. Director of Sports Performance Jeff Geeter said he will never leave his office unlocked again. He remembers a time when Hughes placed a doll in his office chair, took a picture and turned it into the screen saver on his computer.
After being a one-man shop for many years, Hughes became a mentor in September 2019 with the arrival of Assistant Sports Information Director Trevor Wenners.
"I have learned many things from John in my two-plus years at LaGrange College," he said. "I have realized the importance of versatility in this industry and adjusting to unexpected situations. John is great to work with because he is there to answer questions, but he is the furthest thing from a micromanager. He allows you to be creative, try new things and put your own stamp on the department."
Having been appointed in June as the Director of Athletics and Recreation, Terlynn Olds describes Hughes' contributions as vital.
"John has helped transform the marketing and communications of Panther Athletics for 20 years," she said.
Senior Woman Administrator and Athletic Trainer Janet Lin Craft added, "On behalf of Panther Athletics and LaGrange College, congratulations to John for 20 years."
What others say about John Hughes
Director of Sports Performance Jeff Geeter: "Before the days of the internet, we called the newspaper sports editor with game results to get the story printed. When John held this position, you knew you were in for some sarcastic remarks and good-natured kidding when you had to call him after a loss. To tell the truth, you were usually in for some sarcastic remarks and good-natured kidding when you called in after a win. He would always write a good story on the game. I have fond memories of those postgame conversations with John. He likes to act like a grouch, but he is a good-hearted guy who works diligently for our student-athletes and coaches."
Athletic Trainer Chris Blocker: "John is a man who works behind the scenes but has always had his stamp on things. He is someone who does not seek recognition but deserves all the praise for everything he does. He is a laid-back guy with a dry and funny sense of humor."
Head Soccer Coach Ryan Dickson: "John is a great professional who has improved the experience for the student-athletes and coaches."
Assistant Football Coach Jarred Rutherford: "John is someone who has remained loyal to the college, and I believe genuinely cares and wants to see LC Athletics succeed. He taught me the importance of not getting too high or too low in my job."
Head Baseball Coach David Kelton: "John takes pride in his job and does things the right way."
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