Former Owensboro High School football coach Gerald Poynter passed away Thursday at the age of 79. Coach Poynter had two stints as head football coach at OHS from 1965-1976 where the Devils went 89-36-3 during that 12 year time period and from 1988-1995. His best season ended in a class 2A state championship in 1974 with a win over Middlesboro 14-7. From 1973-1975, OHS won an impressive 28 consecutive games. Under Poynter’s guidance, Owensboro never had a losing season. His overall record of 152-67-3 gives him the most wins as head football coach in OHS football history.
For years, Coach Poynter was well known for still attending the Devils games watching from the top row right next to the press box as though he was still coaching his beloved OHS Football team, until his health began to take too much of a toll and his presence became less and less. Former assistant who went on the become head coach, Joe Prince, was integral in having the Devils field house renamed Poynter Field House towards the end of Prince’s tenure as head coach. As a tribute to Poynter, OHS’ Football team will wear commemorative decals on their helmets as a tribute!