Kellam coach "grateful" for support, focusing on recovery
11:50 AM EST on Thursday, January 31, 2008
By 13News
A popular Va. Beach high school coach is grateful for the outpouring of support as he recovers from an accident that has left him without feeling below his waist.
St. Clair Jones, a baseball coach at Kellam High School, was on his way to school earlier this month when his car hit black ice, sending the vehicle into a tree.
He's had back surgery and is now in physical theraphy at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
Jones' team has set up a fund for him at Wachovia Bank. The account is in his name and is listed as a charitable account. Donations also can be mailed to Wachovia, 1804 Princess Anne Road, Va. Beach, VA 23456.
ST. CLAIR JONES STATEMENT:
“I’m grateful for the incredible outpouring of support from my family, friends, and students and colleagues at Kellam.
As I begin this new journey, I realize I’ll need to focus all of my strength on recovering. I am requesting some private time to focus my thoughts and energy on regaining my mobility. Thank you for your support, well wishes, and ongoing prayers.”
SENTARA STATEMENT:
“Mr. Jones is requesting privacy as he begins a long road to recovery, and we’re making every effort to provide him a sheltered environment for his recuperation. He welcomes any prayers but at this time wishes to limit contact to his medical team and family. Mr. Jones has declined interviews with media as he focuses on a strict and intensive rehabilitation schedule over the next several weeks.
We hope the media and community will honor his request for privacy.”
Cheri Hinshelwood, Sentara Corporate Communications
Thursday, January 31, 2008
A Blanket of Thanks
In this morning's email:
Word comes in that Plaza MS is fundraising, Cox HS is fundraising----and I'm sure there are many others.
That is very heatwarming. Thanks.
Word comes in that Plaza MS is fundraising, Cox HS is fundraising----and I'm sure there are many others.
That is very heatwarming. Thanks.
Shamrock Events
Kellam has put together a team for the Shamrock events the weekend of March 15-16. The team has designed a "Swing for the Fence" T-shirt --- all proceeds to the Coach St. Clair Jones fund. The Kellam Sophomore class will be selling the shirts to any and all---we are encouraging everyone(here at Kellam) to wear their shirt on March 14 in Coach's honor. The Kellam "Shamrock" team will wear their shirts during the race(s).
Swing for the Fence will be on the back of the shirt.
Jeannine Kinzel is leading this effort (JeannineA.Kinzel@vbschools.com) .
Swing for the Fence will be on the back of the shirt.
Jeannine Kinzel is leading this effort (JeannineA.Kinzel@vbschools.com) .
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
SCA "Pass the Ballcap" Collection
News from Kathy B:
Kellam students had an opportunity to donate to St. Clair's fund this morning during 1st Block... the results are in... thanks to your generosity, we collected $1551.
Kellam students had an opportunity to donate to St. Clair's fund this morning during 1st Block... the results are in... thanks to your generosity, we collected $1551.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Pack the Park
It's a "Pack the Park" fundraiser.
Kellam fundraiser heads to Harbor Park. Tickets are $9.50 with partial proceeds going to the St. Clair Jones Fund. Ticket purchase information should be available no later than Friday..
So plan ahead. The Kellam baseball team will be on the field... Kellam will be "tossing out" the first pitch....it's a Knight night!
So let's pack the park---Harbor Park attendance record was set in August 1996 with 14,263 in attendance---let's break that recored on April 19!
Kellam fundraiser heads to Harbor Park. Tickets are $9.50 with partial proceeds going to the St. Clair Jones Fund. Ticket purchase information should be available no later than Friday..
So plan ahead. The Kellam baseball team will be on the field... Kellam will be "tossing out" the first pitch....it's a Knight night!
So let's pack the park---Harbor Park attendance record was set in August 1996 with 14,263 in attendance---let's break that recored on April 19!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Fundraisers
Fundraising News From Amy:
Tiki – Thursday, January 31
The Tiki Seagrille and bar is hosting a Cashola for Coach Jones on Thursday from 5-8, 20 percent of the bill will be donated to the Coach.
Address:
1993 Sandbridge Rd, Virginia Beach, VA - Next to Bloom at the corner of Sandbridge and Princess Anne
Upcoming:
Pungo Pizza – March 6th
Tiki – Thursday, January 31
The Tiki Seagrille and bar is hosting a Cashola for Coach Jones on Thursday from 5-8, 20 percent of the bill will be donated to the Coach.
Address:
1993 Sandbridge Rd, Virginia Beach, VA - Next to Bloom at the corner of Sandbridge and Princess Anne
Upcoming:
Pungo Pizza – March 6th
Saturday, January 26, 2008
From Friday/Saturday Pilot
Kellam baseball coach begins rehab; prognosis not certain
By Jacey Eckhart
The Virginian-Pilot
© January 25, 2008
Buoyed by a parade of well-wishers, Kellam High School baseball coach St. Clair Jones has started physical therapy after suffering spinal cord damage in a car accident.
And Jones, hospitalized at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital since Tuesday, had a message about the start of baseball season next month: “I’ll be there.”
Jones, 37, was injured Tuesday morning when his car slid off an icy road in Virginia Beach. He suffered fractured vertebrae in his lower back and some spinal cord damage. He was fitted for a brace Thursday and underwent physical therapy early Friday. He expects to go through daily sessions at the hospital for nearly two weeks.
As for the extent of his injury, Jones said, “I won’t know anything till after that week and a half.”
“I’m just focused on getting better,” Jones added on Friday afternoon, flanked in his room by balloons, cards and gifts. “The hardest part is waiting. I’m ready to get going.”
Meanwhile, former and current players and their parents, and coaches from across South Hampton Roads are among those who have kept Jones busy during visiting hours. Still more are sending get-well wishes by telephone — including major leaguers Ryan Zimmerman, David Wright, and B.J. and Justin Upton — and on Internet message boards.
“I appreciate the support people have given to me,” Jones said. “It’s helping me get stronger and keep the faith and push through all this.”
Jones, a special education teacher at Kellam, has been the Knights’ baseball coach for the past seven seasons. A former player at Great Bridge High and Virginia Wesleyan, Jones guided Kellam to the Eastern Region title in 2002 and regularly runs baseball clinics during the offseason.
Those close to Jones aren’t surprised by the wave of outpouring for him.
“He’s got his roots going out in many different ways,” said Jim Moxey, Kellam’s athletic director. “Back to his home of Great Bridge and coaches from all over, from college and high school coaches to umpires. That tells you what type of person he is.”
Added Knights football coach Chris DeWitt, “I’m amazed, and it makes you really proud. People that we graduated five years ago, people who I went to high school with that have some kind of association with Saint, everybody is kind of pulling behind him and offering whatever they can to help his family.”
Moxey has said Jones will remain the Knights’ baseball coach until Jones says otherwise.
Either way, Moxey said Friday, Jones “will be involved in the decisions that are made out there.”
The Virginia High School League allows baseball teams to begin practice Feb. 25 this year, followed by the regular season about two weeks later.
“As long as he can stay mentally strong, he’s going to have as good a chance as anybody to recover from something like that,” Moxey said. “He’s a strong individual physically, for sure, but also mentally.”
A charitable account for donations has been set up at Wachovia Bank in Jones’ name. Donations can be made at any Wachovia or mailed to Wachovia at 1804 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, 23456.
By Jacey Eckhart
The Virginian-Pilot
© January 25, 2008
Buoyed by a parade of well-wishers, Kellam High School baseball coach St. Clair Jones has started physical therapy after suffering spinal cord damage in a car accident.
And Jones, hospitalized at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital since Tuesday, had a message about the start of baseball season next month: “I’ll be there.”
Jones, 37, was injured Tuesday morning when his car slid off an icy road in Virginia Beach. He suffered fractured vertebrae in his lower back and some spinal cord damage. He was fitted for a brace Thursday and underwent physical therapy early Friday. He expects to go through daily sessions at the hospital for nearly two weeks.
As for the extent of his injury, Jones said, “I won’t know anything till after that week and a half.”
“I’m just focused on getting better,” Jones added on Friday afternoon, flanked in his room by balloons, cards and gifts. “The hardest part is waiting. I’m ready to get going.”
Meanwhile, former and current players and their parents, and coaches from across South Hampton Roads are among those who have kept Jones busy during visiting hours. Still more are sending get-well wishes by telephone — including major leaguers Ryan Zimmerman, David Wright, and B.J. and Justin Upton — and on Internet message boards.
“I appreciate the support people have given to me,” Jones said. “It’s helping me get stronger and keep the faith and push through all this.”
Jones, a special education teacher at Kellam, has been the Knights’ baseball coach for the past seven seasons. A former player at Great Bridge High and Virginia Wesleyan, Jones guided Kellam to the Eastern Region title in 2002 and regularly runs baseball clinics during the offseason.
Those close to Jones aren’t surprised by the wave of outpouring for him.
“He’s got his roots going out in many different ways,” said Jim Moxey, Kellam’s athletic director. “Back to his home of Great Bridge and coaches from all over, from college and high school coaches to umpires. That tells you what type of person he is.”
Added Knights football coach Chris DeWitt, “I’m amazed, and it makes you really proud. People that we graduated five years ago, people who I went to high school with that have some kind of association with Saint, everybody is kind of pulling behind him and offering whatever they can to help his family.”
Moxey has said Jones will remain the Knights’ baseball coach until Jones says otherwise.
Either way, Moxey said Friday, Jones “will be involved in the decisions that are made out there.”
The Virginia High School League allows baseball teams to begin practice Feb. 25 this year, followed by the regular season about two weeks later.
“As long as he can stay mentally strong, he’s going to have as good a chance as anybody to recover from something like that,” Moxey said. “He’s a strong individual physically, for sure, but also mentally.”
A charitable account for donations has been set up at Wachovia Bank in Jones’ name. Donations can be made at any Wachovia or mailed to Wachovia at 1804 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, 23456.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Daily Press Article this morning
Here's an article from the Daily Press this morning:
Coach paralyzed; account set up for donations
BY MIKE HOLTZCLAW 757-928-6479
9:00 AM EST, January 25, 2008
VIRGINIA BEACH -
Friends and colleagues have set up a bank account to collect donations for Kellam High School baseball coach St. Clair Jones, who was left paralyzed by injuries he sustained in a car accident on Tuesday morning.
Driving on icy roads that caused dozens of accidents that morning, Jones apparently lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree. He sustained a fractured vertebrae in his lower back and had some spinal cord damage. He remains hospitalized and is recovering from surgery, but his assistant coach Eddie Duke said that the latest prognosis gives Jones very little chance of recovering the use of his legs.
Duke sent a mass email detailing the impact Jones has had on young baseball players at Kellam and in youth leagues around Hampton Roads. He noted that a fund has been set up at Wachovia Bank to help Jones with medical bills and other expenses related to his injury, including rehabilitation and the outfitting of his home and vehicle for wheelchair access.
Coach paralyzed; account set up for donations
BY MIKE HOLTZCLAW 757-928-6479
9:00 AM EST, January 25, 2008
VIRGINIA BEACH -
Friends and colleagues have set up a bank account to collect donations for Kellam High School baseball coach St. Clair Jones, who was left paralyzed by injuries he sustained in a car accident on Tuesday morning.
Driving on icy roads that caused dozens of accidents that morning, Jones apparently lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree. He sustained a fractured vertebrae in his lower back and had some spinal cord damage. He remains hospitalized and is recovering from surgery, but his assistant coach Eddie Duke said that the latest prognosis gives Jones very little chance of recovering the use of his legs.
Duke sent a mass email detailing the impact Jones has had on young baseball players at Kellam and in youth leagues around Hampton Roads. He noted that a fund has been set up at Wachovia Bank to help Jones with medical bills and other expenses related to his injury, including rehabilitation and the outfitting of his home and vehicle for wheelchair access.
Room 672, it is!
Ms. Sykes has some info:
Coach Jones has a room --- 672.
His visiting hours are limited … no visitors will be permitted during the following times …
8:00 am to 10:00 am
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Coach Jones has a room --- 672.
His visiting hours are limited … no visitors will be permitted during the following times …
8:00 am to 10:00 am
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Thursday, January 24, 2008
To Leave a Comment
Looks like we are off to a good start--- I know a number of Kellam staff stopped by the hospital today and Coach is in great spirits. He is looking forward to the move from ICU to his room on the rehab floor. And guests are quite welcome.
Every post has a comment key at the bottom. Just click there and leave your comments---it is fast and easy.
Every post has a comment key at the bottom. Just click there and leave your comments---it is fast and easy.
Cashola Night on Monday at Chili's
Cashola Night to benefit Coach St. Clair Jones
Chili's at Red Mill Commons
Monday 1/28/08
5 pm to 8 pm
come hungry, leave happy, and help a little along the way
Chili's at Red Mill Commons
Monday 1/28/08
5 pm to 8 pm
come hungry, leave happy, and help a little along the way
A BLOG For Coach Jones
For many, there is a need to let Coach know that you are thinking about him and praying for his recovery.
At this time, his friends at Kellam are setting up this blog to allow that outpouring of support. Hopefully, in a short time, Coach himself will take over the blog and let you know how he is doing.
Until then, we will try to keep you updated.
Here's the text of the Pilot article:
By Jami Frankenberry
The Virginian-Pilot
© January 23, 2008
Kellam baseball coach St. Clair Jones remained hospitalized today, a day after being involved in an automobile accident.
Jones’ car apparently hit a tree during icy road conditions Tuesday morning, and he was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, said Kathleen O’Hara, assistant superintendent for media and communications for Virginia Beach Public Schools.
Jim Moxey, Kellam’s athletic director, said Jones suffered fractured vertebrae in his lower back and had some spinal cord damage. Jones underwent surgery late Tuesday night “to get everything lined back up,” Moxey said, adding that more will be known about Jones’ spinal cord damage once the swelling goes down.
Moxey visited Jones early today and said dozens of others were lined up, too.
“He’s the same old Coach St. Clair Jones, cracking jokes,” Moxey said. “He’s in very high spirits.”
Jones, a special education teacher, has coached the Knights for the past seven seasons.
“As far as I’m concerned, St. Clair Jones is our baseball coach until he tells me otherwise,” Moxey said. “With what he’s capable of doing, he’s going to have some limitations, but he will be involved with the program as much as he possibly can be.”
And the original comments from the Pilot:
Best of luck coach!
Submitted by KennyW on Wed, 01/23/2008 at 8:12 pm.
I heard about your accident Tuesday morning from a friend who received an email from another friend before any articles were published. The email briefly described the accident and asked for prayers for your recovery. I looked for an article all day afer the ice storms and didn't find an article until this morning.
God bless you coach, and here's to a comfortable and complete recovery.
Best Wishes for a Speedy Recovery
Submitted by Earl on Wed, 01/23/2008 at 8:11 pm.
St. Clair,
I'm not sure if you remember me but we went to Hickory Elementary together years ago. I have followed your career as Kellam's baseball coach in the newspaper and have been very impressed with your accomplishments. From what I remember of you as a kid and from what I've read more recently, I know you can pull through this. Hang in there and best wishes for a full recovery.
Earl Sorey
God's speed for a full recovery my friend.
Submitted by rickf99373 on Wed, 01/23/2008 at 2:44 pm.
Keep your eyes on the ball and swing for the fences. You're to strong to let this derail anything in your life. God's speed for a full recovery my friend. All your friends are praying for you. GBHS 88
At this time, his friends at Kellam are setting up this blog to allow that outpouring of support. Hopefully, in a short time, Coach himself will take over the blog and let you know how he is doing.
Until then, we will try to keep you updated.
Here's the text of the Pilot article:
By Jami Frankenberry
The Virginian-Pilot
© January 23, 2008
Kellam baseball coach St. Clair Jones remained hospitalized today, a day after being involved in an automobile accident.
Jones’ car apparently hit a tree during icy road conditions Tuesday morning, and he was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, said Kathleen O’Hara, assistant superintendent for media and communications for Virginia Beach Public Schools.
Jim Moxey, Kellam’s athletic director, said Jones suffered fractured vertebrae in his lower back and had some spinal cord damage. Jones underwent surgery late Tuesday night “to get everything lined back up,” Moxey said, adding that more will be known about Jones’ spinal cord damage once the swelling goes down.
Moxey visited Jones early today and said dozens of others were lined up, too.
“He’s the same old Coach St. Clair Jones, cracking jokes,” Moxey said. “He’s in very high spirits.”
Jones, a special education teacher, has coached the Knights for the past seven seasons.
“As far as I’m concerned, St. Clair Jones is our baseball coach until he tells me otherwise,” Moxey said. “With what he’s capable of doing, he’s going to have some limitations, but he will be involved with the program as much as he possibly can be.”
And the original comments from the Pilot:
Best of luck coach!
Submitted by KennyW on Wed, 01/23/2008 at 8:12 pm.
I heard about your accident Tuesday morning from a friend who received an email from another friend before any articles were published. The email briefly described the accident and asked for prayers for your recovery. I looked for an article all day afer the ice storms and didn't find an article until this morning.
God bless you coach, and here's to a comfortable and complete recovery.
Best Wishes for a Speedy Recovery
Submitted by Earl on Wed, 01/23/2008 at 8:11 pm.
St. Clair,
I'm not sure if you remember me but we went to Hickory Elementary together years ago. I have followed your career as Kellam's baseball coach in the newspaper and have been very impressed with your accomplishments. From what I remember of you as a kid and from what I've read more recently, I know you can pull through this. Hang in there and best wishes for a full recovery.
Earl Sorey
God's speed for a full recovery my friend.
Submitted by rickf99373 on Wed, 01/23/2008 at 2:44 pm.
Keep your eyes on the ball and swing for the fences. You're to strong to let this derail anything in your life. God's speed for a full recovery my friend. All your friends are praying for you. GBHS 88
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