John Wayne King was a four-sport star for Clements High School. He participated in baseball, basketball, football and track for the Colts. He was instrumental in the success Clements HS enjoyed in the sports he participated in. During King’s senior season, the Colts would claim the state championship in both football and basketball. He averaged 17.5 points per game during the Colts run to the state championship in basketball. 

An outstanding baseball player, he was invited to a try out by the Atlanta Braves at Fulton County Stadium. King would earn an athletic scholarship to Calhoun Community College. King participated in both basketball and baseball for the Warhawks. As a shortstop, he tied the single-game record for hits in a game with five.

Following his two years at Calhoun CC, King would take his baseball talents to Athens College. At Athens College, he started every game for two years and was awarded the “Senior Award” in 1971.

King’s long-time friend and former high school teammate Jerry Batts said King was a teammate you could count on. “John Wayne was well liked by his teammates. He was serious about winning and was never overwhelmed by the moment. Regardless of the outcome of the previous play, he moved on to the next one. He was a dedicated teammate and has been a true friend for a long time.”

Upon graduation from Athens College, King would return to his high school alma mater and enjoy much of the same success as a coach as he did as an athlete for the Colts He coached the 1972 Clements basketball team that won both the county and the area and appeared in the Class 1A state basketball tournament.

In 1976, King led the track team to the 1A-2A state title and received the state championship coaches’ award.

During his tenure with Clements, he also served as an assistant coach with the football team.