JISD coach Scott Owens passes away
teacher and coach on middle school and high school levels with
the Joaquin ISD, passed away Wednesday night in an automobile
accident. (Photo by John Krueger)
Joaquin girls Head Basketball Coach Scott Owens passed away Wednesday night, sometime after midnight, as a result of injuries he sustained in an automobile accident, according to Joaquin Independent School District officials. He was in his fifth year with the JISD.
According to the Shelby County Department of Public Safety Office, the accident occurred between Tatum and Carthage, in Panola County, sometime around 1 a.m. They had no further information to release as of Thursday afternoon because the accident occurred in another county and they had not received a report.
Owens, who has served as part of the district since August of 2005, was an eighth grade Science teacher, and also has coached on several different levels with the district since being hired. He worked with the junior high and high school football programs, along with other sports, and took over as head coach of the girls’ basketball program this past season.
During an interview earlier this season, he said he was excited about working with the girls' basketball program and that he had a great group of players that he enjoyed teaching the game of basketball.
"They really work hard for me," Owens said in the interview. "They listen to every word I say and they put their best effort on the floor in every game. They're a lot of fun to coach."
Owens was born and raised in Joaquin. His father, Red Owens, was principal for Joaquin High School for many years.
Before coming back to Joaquin to teach and coach, Owens coached for 15-plus years in the Grapeland ISD, a school official said.
Funeral arrangements are currently pending at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center upon arrival of his brother, who lives out of the country, a member of the district's administration office stated. More details will be released as they become available.
Due to Owens' death, the Joaquin Lady Ram softball team has withdrawn from the Longview Softball Tournament this weekend. The Lady Rams were also scheduled to play Gary in a District 19-1A contest tonight at 6 p.m. That game has also been postponed. A makeup date has yet to be determined.