Jacob Caldwell

Honoree

Mr. Jacob “Jake” Caldwell attended Tuskegee Institute and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1965 in Physical Education. Coach Caldwell excelled in athletics in high school and college. He received two (2) “Letters” in basketball and one (1) “Letter” in football while in high school and one (1) “Letter” in basketball and two (2) “Letters• in baseball in college.

He began his career in education at Mays Jr./Sr. High School in 1966 as a Physical Education and Science Teacher, Head Basketball Coach, and Assistant Football Coach. He later transferred to South Dade Sr. High School as a Physical Education Teacher and Assistant Football Coach. In 1970, he joined the staff of Miami Jackson Senior High School 1970 as the Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Football Coach.

While coaching at Miami Jackson, Coach Caldwell won numerous coaching awards … Greater Miami Athletic Conference Coach of the Year-1971; Dade County Coach of the Year-Miami News-1972. 1974. 1981. & 1984; Dade County Coach of the Year-WEDR-1981; Florida Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year-1974; Florida Coach of the Year–Gator Tip-Off Club (University of Florida}-197 4; Florida All-Star Coach of the Year (film)-197 4; The Greater Miami Coach of the Year-WRBD-1975; The Miami Varsity Club Coach of the Year-1976 & 1986.; National Coach of the Year–McDonald Capital Classic-1977; WEDR-Metro Coach of the Year-1977 and South Florida MU All Star Coach-1977 & 1978.

His record at Miami Jackson is 4 73-101. His career record is 520 -123. Coach Caldwell led the Generals in Basketball to 8 Invitational Championships, 11 Divisional Championships, 7 Conference Championships, 12 District Championships, 9 Regional Championships, 7 Sectional Championships, I State Runner-up Championship, and I State Championship. 4 (Final Four) Consecutive State Tournaments and 7 Final Four Competitions.

Coach Caldwell placed 51 players into college on scholarship, with 21 players at major division institutions. He developed 10 professional players including 1 number one NBA draft choice. Michael Thompson, in 1978.
Over the years he has had numerous professional and civic affiliations including Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Miami. The National Association of Basketball Coaches of the U. S., The National High School Athletic Coaches Association, The Florida Athletic Coaches Associations, The United Teachers of Dade, Urban League of Greater Miami, The American Red Cross, The Miami Varsity Club, the Southeastern – Tuskegee Tiger Club.