When you first meet new Southern Methodist University’s new Head Football Coach June Jones it’s easy to see that he is different than a lot of head coaches.
There is quiet confidence about the man, a laid back individual that apparently is loved by his current and past players. Jones will admit to doing things different than a lot of coaches, bringing a more professional approach to the college game.
It’s not a surprise. Jones spent 12 years in the NFL and has surrounded himself with several coaches with pro backgrounds.
What most SMU fans may not realize is the type of man that Jones is. According to Kevin Kaplan, the executive director of the June Jones Foundation, Jones is a very caring and giving man.
"June Jones is one of the most giving people I have ever met, said Kevin Kaplan, Executive Director of the June Jones Foundation told PonyStampede.com Sunday afternoon.”Since the June Jones Foundation was established four years ago, we have granted nearly $400,000 to various charitable causes. Coach Jones is a difference maker and truly cares about others."
Jones left Dallas this past weekend with four of his current SMU coaches to participate in the 4th Annual June Jones Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic. The event will benefit the Ronald McDonald House and H.U.G.S. It is held annually at Hokuli'a (www.Hokulia.com) on the Big Island, Hawai'i (Island of Hawai'i.
Joining Jones is wide receiver coach Jeff Reinebold, Special Teams coordinator Frank Gansz, running back coach Wes Suan and offensive line coach Dennis McKnight. Former SMU alumni Eric Dickerson, Jerry LeVias and Louie Kelcher will also be in attendance. The event begins today and ends on Tuesday.
"I am proud to have SMU legends like Eric Dickerson, Louie Kelcher and Jerry LeVias joining members of my coaching staff and me in Hawai'i," said June Jones. "I truly appreciate their participation in our efforts to help those in need."
The group will stay in Hawaii at the completion of the golf tournament and will attend a press conference for the June Jones American Samoa Football Academy on Thursday. The Academy will be June 26-29 in Pago Pago, American Samoa.
The Academy will be a two-day Football Camp for all Varsity and Junior Varsity High School Football Players and Coaches in American Samoa. Five participants will receive a $2,000 scholarship to any university they choose. The American Samoa Department of Education has established the criterion and will be selecting the recipients. Additionally, a medical mission lead by Jeff Reinebold's wife Ellie will also take place at this time.
Here are the current and former NFL players of Samoan Descent who will be accompanying June and his coaches.
Leo Goeas
Retired after eight seasons, Offensive Lineman
San Diego Chargers
Reagan Mauia
Second Year, Fullback
Miami Dolphins
Mel Purcell
Second Year, Defensive End
Cleveland Browns
Jesse Sapolu
Retired after 13 seasons, Offensive Lineman
San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl Champion Team)
Paul Soliai
Second Year, Defensive End
Miami Dolphins
Ma'a Tanuvasa
Retired after nine seasons, Defensive Tackle
Denver Broncos (Super Bowl Champion Team), San Diego Chargers