Gaither, "Jake" (Alonzo S.)
Football
b. April 11, 1903, Dayton, TN
d. Feb. 18, 1994
Gaither played football at Knoxville College, graduating in 1927. He did graduate work at several colleges, receiving a master's degree from Ohio State University in 1937. After military service during World War II, Gaither became head football coach at Florida A & M College.
The team is nicknamed the Rattlers, and Gaither became known as "Papa Rattler." Fond of saying, "I like my boys to be agile, mobile, and hostile," he turned Florida A & M into a major power among predominantly black colleges.
Under Gaither's guidance, Florida A & M won 20 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships and shared another during his 25 seasons. He was voted small college coach of the year in 1962.
Gaither retired after the 1969 season with a 203-36-4 record. His .844 winning percentage is 6th best all-time and he ranks 19th in victories.
