JACKSONVILLE, FL. — Gator Bowl Chairman Fred Franklin announced today members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2012. This year’s induction class includes former Vanderbilt University quarterback, Donald Orr and current Coach at The Bolles School and former standout at Georgia Tech, Corky Rogers. The Gator Bowl is extremely proud to honor these two outstanding individuals whose contributions have had such a positive impact in the world of college athletics,” said Chairman Franklin. The CSX Coaches Luncheon and Hall of Fame Induction will be held on December 31 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center at 12:00 noon.
Donald Orr
Vanderbilt University
Donald Cooper Orr is a native of Miami, Florida and graduated from Miami Jackson High School in 1952. He played four varsity sports earning All-City and All-State honors in football and was the recipient if the Scholar-Athlete Award.
Don entered the School of Engineering at Vanderbilt University with the assistance of an athletic scholarship. He lettered three years playing quarterback and safety. He played in the 1955 Gator Bowl leading the Commodores to a 25-13 win over Auburn. He was also awarded the honor of Most Valuable Player for his performance in that game. In 1956, Don was elected co-captain of the Vanderbilt team and later was named co-captain of the south squad in the North-South College All Star Game.
Upon graduating, Don married Eve Loser of Nashville and immediately reported to Fort Bliss Texas as a Second Lieutenant Artillery Officer.
After completing his military commitment Don and Eve returned to Nashville to pursue a business career and start a family that includes two sons and seven grandchildren.
Football officiating became a second vocation for Don. He worked ten years as a referee in the Southeastern Conference and twenty-five years with the National Football League. He retired in 1996 after officiating numerous play-off games including three Super Bowls.
A home is still maintained in Nashville, but winter months are enjoyed in Naples, Florida and summers are spent in the mountains of North Carolina.
Corky Rogers
Georgia Tech
Charles “Corky” Rogers' career as a high school football coach has spanned five decades, producing more wins than any other coach in Florida. In 2011, Rogers became just the eighth coach in the history of high school football in the nation to reach 400 wins. He has guided the Bolles football program in Jacksonville since the 1989 season, helping the Bulldogs to compile the most state titles of any football program in Florida. In 2011, Rogers led Bolles to the program's 11th state title, increasing his own state records for wins to 411, state titles as a coach to 10, and playoff victories to 70.
The 2010 Bolles varsity football team posted the program’s fourth undefeated regular season in the last five years, won the 30th district title in program history, posted an overall record of 11-1, and advanced to the Region 1-2B Final.
Nationally recognized by collegiate coaches for his skill in producing outstanding college football recruits, Rogers insists it is due to his team members’ dedication. He requires them to play the game to the best of their abilities, maintain respect for their coaches and teammates, excel academically, participate in their communities, and make the right choices in every area of their lives.
Prior to Bolles, Rogers coached at his alma mater, Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida, leading the Generals to playoff appearances in 10 straight seasons. As a student-athlete at Lee, Rogers played for the 1960 state championship football team and the 1961 state baseball championship team. He is a graduate of The Georgia Institute of Technology where he lettered in football. He played in the 1965 Gator Bowl where his Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets posted a victory over Texas Tech, 31-21.
Rogers and his wife, Linda, have two daughters, Tracy and Jennifer, and several grandchildren.
Tickets to the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl Coaches Luncheon and Hall of Fame Induction can be purchased online at www.gatorbowl.com. Click on Events and go to Hall of Fame Luncheon. Cost is $75 per ticket.
