John Franklin Thames

Many years of coaching sports and being part of the life of many youth has given John Franklin Thames a spot in the Clarendon County Athletic Hall of Fame.

“That’s very humbling and I appreciate this honor,” Thames said. “When your own honor you, that’s something. That’s an honor for the top shelf.”

Thames is the head coach of the Manning High School girls’ varsity basketball team; however that is just one stop in his 43-year career as the lead man.

Thames began his athletic career at Manning High School in 1950 as a three-sport athlete playing football, basketball and baseball.

However, it was football that was his passion.

Thames was an offensive guard or ‘just one of the troops’ but said he loved playing that sport more than any others.

Following high school, he attended Presbyterian College and played one year of football.

Thames graduated from Presbyterian College in 1958 and joined the army and was a Tank Platoon Commander in Korea.

After his tour of duty, he returned to Manning and began his teaching career.

His teaching career consisted mostly of history but Thames also taught civics, government and psychology.

During that time, he began his coaching career that would span 50 years.

He coached baseball for 14 years, football for 36 years and basketball for 41 years. He was the head coach of baseball and basketball. He coached the offensive and defensive line in football and during his 36 years on the gridiron.

In 1993, the Clarendon School District 2 School Board wanted to honor Thames for the effort, athleticism and sportsmanship his teams displayed over the years.

To do that, they named the Manning High School gymnasium after him…the John Franklin Thames Arena.

“The trustees called me in and they told me what was happening,” he said. “Every time I walk in, I feel pride. To be given something like that by the high school is unspeakable; it’s wonderful.”

A few years later in 2001, Presbyterian College looked back at their alumnus and his stout 40-year career and wanted to express their thanks.

Thames was the recipient of the Bob Waters Award which is given to the distinguished alumni that had provided outstanding leadership and service to society in the profession of athletic coaching and who personify those values and qualities of excellences and integrity held dear to Presbyterian College.

“I was as surprised as anybody in the world,” he said. “I still didn’t believe it when I got there. It’s a humbling experience because there are so many more people more worthy of that than I am. So many good things have happened to me.”

Thames has a long history of great athletic success, but he said his most success has come on the hardwood while coaching the Lady Monarchs.

His overall record after the 2009/10 season was 808-295 (73 percent winning percentage).

He has two state championships, three state runners-up, 15 region championships, seven region tournament championships, 14 region Coach of the Year honors, three Sumter Item Coach of the Year Honors and a Florence Morning News AAA Coach of the Year.

He was a 2010 inaugural inductee into the S.C. Basketball Coaches Assc. Hall of Fame.

Over his career, he has seen 27 girls take part in college teams and even saw one play for a national championship at Francis Marion.

“I’m proud that I had a little to do with that,” Thames said.