Myles, John - Football, 1986
John Myles was a major contributor to Savannah State College athletics as a player, coach, and administrator. As quarterback on the 1942 SSC team, he earned the nickname “Iron Horse” for his speed and brutal running style. He was the first SSC football player to earn All-American honors for small colleges. In addition to football, Myles also coached and played on the college’s basketball team. After graduation, John Myles served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He won the European track 100-yard championship at 9.5 seconds and was a fierce competitor on his service football team. His play was such that the Los Angeles Rams offered him a contract. But Myles declined the offer and set out to pursue a Masters Degree in Health and Physical Education. Myles eventually returned to the coaching field and established a full athletic program at Johnson High School. One of his greatest moments came in 1968, when his basketball team beat cross-town rival, Beach High, for the Georgia High School Championship title. Coach Myles returned to Savannah State as football and baseball coach, serving in that capacity for eleven years. His 1972 football team won the SIA Conference title and the 1977 baseball team was crowned SIA Conference champs. He now serves as the athletic director for SCC.