Veteran Beverly High girls track coach Dave Jellerson, who has guided the Panther girls to numerous unbeaten seasons and league titles, is one of three Eastern Mass. inductees for the 2019 Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association's Hall of Fame. Jellerson, Matt Carr of Burlington and Mike Maguire of Haverhill will be honored at the awards banquet on June 9 at The Lantana in Randolph beginning at 1 p.m. Phil Ryan of Holliston will also be inducted in the veterans division. A Danvers High graduate, Jellerson began his coaching career with the Falcons before moving over to the Garden City, where he has coached the Panther girls for 30 years. His record is an incredible 586-69 in three seasons of track at Beverly (cross country, indoor track and outdoor track). Under Jellerson, the Panther girls cross country teams have posted a 169-22 mark, 219-12 indoors and 198-35 in spring track. He also coached the Beverly boys cross country program for 12 years, compiling an 85-23 record. He also went 10-9 with the boys and 39-11 girls while at Danvers High from 1974-78. "I first started at Danvers with the boys. Then with Title IX, girls sports began to take off and I went with the girls," said Jellerson. "We had some very good teams; in 1978 the outdoor team won the state championship and finished second in New England. I've been very fortunate to have good teams and good athletes." It is always about the athletes and the program and never about himself for Jellerson, who produces winning teams season after season, year after year. When he first coached cross country in Beverly, it was a combined boys and girls team. When they separated into two teams, Jellerson elected to coach the girls. He loves his job and makes sure the athletes are having fun. It is more than just about the wins and losses; his teams are close knit with a family atmosphere. "I've known what I wanted to do since I was 12 years old," he said. "In my high school yearbook it says my dream is to become a teacher and a coach. "I couldn't do it without loving the sport, and I enjoy working with all levels of athletes from the best to the not as talented. Seeing them improve is very satisfying. I've been very fortunate because the Beverly kids have always been cooperative and hard working, which makes my job a lot easier." Jellerson knew he had been nominated, but was surprised to get a call from the Hall of Fame chairman Lou Tozzi telling him the votes were in and that he had been elected. "He called me from Florida," said Jellerson. "I was nominated last year by (Beverly assistant coach) Chandler Jones and (Medford High track coach) Lou Ruggiero, who was my college roommate. Lou is in the Hall of Fame, too. When I didn't get in last year, Chandler renominated me. I have him to thank for getting the whole thing going, doing the legwork and writing the letter. "I was very honored just to be nominated even if I didn't get in," he added. "I've been very lucky to have great assistant coaches, athletic directors and student-athletes over the years. They're the ones that made it possible.
Inducted: 2019