FRED PITTS...Class of....1953

The term Renaissance Man (or Polymath) refers to a person who becomes involved in many fields and who excels in them all. James Madison High School is one of those schools fortunate enough to have several such people it can call alumni. One such outstanding graduate is Fred Pitts.

When Fred graduated in 1953 along with his twin brother Michael, he decided that a good starting point for his career would be the U.S. Navy and so it was off to the recruiting office. Once in uniform, Fred could often be found on the athletic fields, participating in Navy football, baseball and basketball. This was to be expected because while still at Madison, Fred was an outstanding athlete there too. In addition to his other Navy duties, Fred amassed an enviable service record.

When his enlistment ended, Fred began his quest for a college degree, enrolling at the University of Florida. There, in 1962, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. Now his career began in earnest.

His inaugural position was as Assistant Superintendent of Recreation for St. Lucie County, Florida and later as Athletic Director for Fort Walton Beach. In this capacity, he was put in charge of teen activities. He also ran dances for the kids and even the adults. His ultimate chore was a yearly circus program. Finally, he taught physical education at three local elementary schools. Not bad for a new college graduate. Oh, also, when the school superintendent was away, Fred served as substitute super.But, apparently this still left him with too much time on his hands, so he took on the job of News Director at the local radio station, WFTW. This meant he would also be broadcasting the football games for Choctawhatchee High School.

Fred's job expanded somewhat again. In addition to being News Director and sports broadcaster for WFTW, Fred was now involved in public relations. He became Sports Information director for Okaloosa-Walton Community College. This meant responsibility for the writing, compiling, photography and editing of all information pieces about the school's athletic department. It also required him to be the manager for all college home games in all sports. While doing that, he was also broadcasting football, baseball, and softball and basketball games. Wait, we are not finished yet. Fred also had to write a sports column for the local newspaper, Prepare and record publicity pieces for broadcast, appear on local radio and television.

Now for something completely different and its only 1966 at this point.

Fred has been involved in sports all this time but now, he finds himself the public relations director for the High School Marching band. The group is called the Choctawhatchee Style Marchers and Fred now has the job of letting everyone know when and where they will perform, and news about the members. As far as we know, he was not required to play an instrument, carry a flag or ride a float. Phew !

Time now to move ahead to the period between 1966 and 1992.

In 1966, Fred began his teaching career Choctawhatchee High School as a Phys Ed instructor, Junior Varsity football coach and head Varsity Basketball coach. He began teaching driver education in 1967 and was named head of the department in
1969. Also in 1969, Fred became Varsity head coach for football.

In 1972, his career reached a new fork in the road.

Fred resigned his coaching duties to concentrate on teaching and to devote more time to being a sports official (referee & umpire) and for the next ten years, officiated at both the college and junior college levels. That included all sports plus volleyball.

In 1980, he began teaching General Science and Health and basic Mathematics classes. In 1989, he added Marine Biology, Zoology and Biology. But he hadn't dropped sports altogether. From 1980 to 1984, he was assistant softball coach, 1986 thru 1991, he was girls varsity softball coach.

Once again from 1992 until 1998, Fred returned to his old job as sports information director for Okaloosa-Walton Community College.

And then he retired. But not completely. Since 1994 to the present time, Fred has been a play by play announcer and voice of both the men's and women's basketball programs over radio station WAAZ-FM in Florida.

So, not only can we call Fred Pitts, class of 1953 a renaissance man, we can also call him a super credit to James Madison High School. Well done Fred.