Setting the record straight

Monday, December 24, 2007

By Ward Gossett
Assistant Sports Editor

It seems numerous individuals took note of and several took offense to last week's blog citing the renewed interest in Bradley County wrestling and the rekindling of the Cleveland-Bradley Central wrestling rivalry.

There were post-blog accusations and insinuations tossed back and forth and a couple of people in the center of the rivalry wondered why I had taken a slap at the Cleveland wrestlers.

I didn't.

There were things I could have written that would seriously have stirred the rivalry pot. I didn't go there either because so much of it was gossip, rumor, innuendo or proofless accusations.

I wrote about the state of wrestling in the Cleveland area and the fact that Cleveland was quickly moving into a position to seriously challenge Bradley Central as one of the state's top programs. I wrote about Cleveland's enhanced facilities and, to keep from ruffling overly sensitive feathers, I should have included the fact that the Blue Raiders already had knocked off Region 4 favorite Ooltewah and Division II power Father Ryan, each a high-ranking member of the state's top 12.

It should be noted here that the Higher Classing wrestling club, which I believe uses Cleveland's Allan Jones wrestling center as its headquarters, is utilized by wrestlers from Walker Valley and Cleveland and that Walker Valley coach Alan Morris is on the club's board of directors. It also should be noted that the club is a community club that has drawn wrestlers from Polk County, North Carolina and Harrison in addition to the Cleveland area. And to be fair to all sides, Bradley Central also has a very active wrestling club.

I should point out that the $50 handshakes Jones used to make with Cleveland area wrestlers who won state championships were in fact $100 handshakes. While he broke rules with his well-meaning intent, Jones, like him or not, has been good for wrestling in Cleveland, in Chattanooga and across the state on both the high school and collegiate levels.

There were those among the most critical of my blog who thought I should have mentioned the hard work that Cleveland kids and coaches have been putting in. I thought that was foregone conclusion, the same as it should be for Bradley Central.

Listen, this was once one of the best wrestling meets in the area and one of those people marked on their calendars along with Baylor-McCallie, Red Bank-East Ridge and East Ridge-McCallie. It was an era when Notre Dame was a kingpin, Hixson and Central could hold their own with most anybody and Soddy-Daisy was up-and-coming. There were the kinds of weekly battles that built a tremendous anticipation for the district and region tournaments.

Cleveland hasn't been poor or underachieving by any means but Bradley has been better and I'm ashamed to think someone thought I was pot-shooting at former Cleveland coach Al Miller. That he didn't have the help or the organization that was in place across town shouldn't diminish from his contributions or accomplishments or those of his teams.

There is no contradicting the fact, though, that there is new blood and renewed interest in Cleveland wrestling and the competition inside Bradley County.

I think the concern in some quarters is what avenue the rivalry will take. Will it be bitter and hateful? I hope note. Will it entail "us-against-the-world" mentalities? Again, I hope not. Will the coaches and kids shake hands before and after? I fervently hope so, and I hope they do so sincerely.

I know other coaches who had meets scheduled for Jan. 3 and have moved their start times up so they can get to Bradley Central in time for the meet, which will start at 7 p.m.

If Cleveland isn't on the rise, if the rivalry hasn't been rejuvenated, then why would those coaches and hundreds of fans -- perhaps a couple of thousand -- already have made plans to attend?

As they're fond of saying in other circles, "To be the man, you got to beat the man."

We all want to see if Cleveland has closed the gap on one of the state's year-in and year-out best and how close the Blue Raiders are to the Bears, who have dominated for more than a decade.

This could be great for the Cleveland community from one end of the county to the other, and it has and will continue be a boost for wrestling in general.

E-mail Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com

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Businessman donates $30,000 to Gable museum

Article from: DesMoinesRegister.com

The founder and CEO of Check Into Cash is donating $30,000 to the Dan Gable's International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo.

A press release today indicated that Allan Jones of Check Into Cash is a former wrestler, friend of Gable and built the Jones Wrestling Center in his hometown of Cleveland, Tenn. ? headquarters of the business.

Gable is one of the legends of the sport. He lost one match in his career at Iowa State, won a gold medal at the 1972 Olympics in Munich without surrendering a point and built a dynasty as a coach at Iowa.

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Jones Aquatic Center Names Director

News Sentinel staff
Originally published 10:16 p.m., November 1, 2007
Updated 10:16 p.m., November 1, 2007

Christine Scollay, the assistant aquatics director at Georgia, has been hired to manage the nearly completed Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center at Tennessee.
The center is due to be completed by Dec. 24.
The Vols and Lady Vols will swim their first meets in the new pool Jan. 5 - the men facing Georgia Tech at 1 p.m. and the Lady Vols meeting Northwestern at 5.
"Joining UT's athletic department is an exciting opportunity for me," Scollay said in a UT release. "I look forward to helping UT develop what is to become a premiere aquatic facility. Our goal will be to create an exciting venue that competitors and spectators alike will look forward to visiting.”

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Keeping up with Joneses: UT's new pool speeds toward completion

Click here: Photo Gallery Center

The following article appeared in the Aug. 21, 2007 Knoxville News-Sentinel. www.KnoxNews.com  It gives a progress report on the Allan Jones Intercollegiate
Aquatic Center, currently under construction at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
The new facility, with an 800-seat grandstand, features a competition pool and a diving pool, plus a massive scoreboard with three screens.  The center is scheduled to host its first meet on Jan. 4 against Georgia Tech.

JOHN SHEARER
sports@knews.com
Originally published 11:51 p.m., August 20, 2007
Updated 11:51 p.m., August 20, 2007

University of Tennessee swimming and diving coaches hope the under-construction Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center is able to draw some recruits capable of producing swift times.

But Monday afternoon during a media preview tour, the finishing time most on their minds was the completion of the facility,

However, Keith Buckner, site superintendent for Blaine Construction Co., assured them that 110 workers will be laboring feverishly over the next few months to complete the work by Dec. 24.

“We’re having Thanksgiving turkey here,” he quipped.

To that, Lady Vols assistant Jen Arndt offered to help bring the food.

Officials hope the $24.3 million facility — which is named in honor of Cleveland businessman Jones, who donated $4 million — does bring a few championships.

“It is the best in the world,” said excited men’s coach John Trembley, who said that dreams for a new pool to replace the 40-year-old Student Aquatic Center and Ray Bussard Intercollegiate Pool go back 14 years. “A lot of people might dispute that, but we will stand by it.”

Added Lady Vol head coach Matt Kredich, “The building represents a commitment on the part of the university to do things in a first-rate, first-class manner.”

UT executive associate athletics director Gary Wyant, to whom Trembley said deserves much credit for getting the facility built, said UT officials studied and visited a number of top collegiate pools in the country — including those of Texas A&M, Houston, Minnesota, IUPUW, Georgia and Auburn.

They also sought the advice of architects HNTB of Kansas City and Lindsay and Maples of Knoxville.

“We are taking the best from them and we added a few things nobody else has,” said the former Vol assistant football coach.

Among the unique features, he said, is a massive scoreboard on the east wall with three different screens for video or race information. The three screens can also be converted into one screen when needed.

Also singular to the UT pool, Wyant said, are an elevated timing booth and press area above the finish line of the 50-meter by 25-yard competition pool, and an unusual screen that will cover the stairways to the diving towers. The latter can be lighted and should offer dramatic effect, because a diver will not be seen until he or she reaches the platform.

Other amenities in the facility — which looks more massive from the inside than the outside — are a spacious deck area, an 800-seat grandstand that includes an air conditioning unit, VIP seating overlooking the competition pool, and multi-purpose team rooms for men’s teams and women’s.

Coaches’ offices, a training room, an elevated diving judges’ box, two large tubs, photograph and memorabilia display areas, and underwater stairwells in the diving pool are also to be included.

Wyant said that the diving pool has extremely thick support walls to hold the massive amount of water. “If there is anywhere in the world you would be safe during a nuclear attack, it is the diving pool,” he joked.

According to diving coach Dave Parrington, the former facility’s diving pool barely met collegiate depth requirements.

The swimming pool will have a depth of more than 8 feet, making it swift, officials said.

Trembley said that the former facility — which was one of the best in the country when built — was fine for training, but the shallower depths of both pools had been inadequate for today’s standards during competition.

The new facility is scheduled to open on Jan 4 with a meet against Georgia Tech.

Dedication of the aquatic center is to be Jan. 12.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

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Allan Jones’ Favorite
Spot Celebrates 70^th Anniversary

Growing up in historic downtown Cleveland, Allan Jones often visited a tiny burger joint called “The Spot.” Little did he know that decades later he would own the iconic restaurant himself.  True to his long-standing interest in honoring history, Jones made sure that the community enjoyed The Spot’s special 70th Anniversary Celebration .

Kids of all ages converged on the restaurant at 45 North Ocoee St. for the festivities. The frosty machine whirred merrily as diners sat on the famous bar stools and munched on cheeseburgers, fries, and chili dogs. Those adventurous enough ordered an Orange Crush Shake made with the original Orange Crush soft drink.  This specialty shake is a tribute to Allan Jones’ beloved “Big Orange” Tennessee Volunteers.

Radio station Alive105 broadcasted live from The Spot, highlighting the occasion. Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland issued an official proclamation, declaring July 23rd as “Spot Day” in Cleveland. There was plenty of food, music, prizes, and fun for all, plus a special “junior frosty” available for just .70.  An old-fashioned sock hop, held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm added to the celebration and gave everyone the chance to juke and jive.

The Spot, established in 1937, was originally known as Orange Teaco. The original owners named the eatery after their signature drink, a blended orange juice concoction. Later, when the owners found a lighted sign at a bargain price, they couldn’t resist. The sign said “The Spot,” and that became the restaurant’s name from then on.

The Spot closed briefly at the end of 1985 and has had a series of owners over the years. The Spot was purchased by its current owner, Allan Jones, in 2005.  Mr. Jones is well known for his preservation efforts in his hometown of Cleveland, and, as such, is especially attuned to the restaurant’s rich history.

Today the tiny establishment is a landmark, and holds the honor of being the oldest restaurant in Cleveland. There is no doubt that Allan Jones and other Clevelanders who treasure its uniqueness would agree with a reporter who once wrote, “If you haven’t eaten at The Spot, you surely haven’t been to downtown Cleveland.”

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Allan Jones: History Buff and Historic Preservationist

Another consuming interest of W. Allan Jones is the history of his hometown of Cleveland, TN. Unlike many entrepreneurs who want to put their mark on a community by building new structures, Jones does the opposite: he restores, renovates and refurbishes old structures and gives them new life.

One such example of Allan Jones’ passion for historic buildings is the Craigmiles Opera House in downtown Cleveland. Commissioned for construction in 1877, the building remains a historic landmark, thanks to Jones’ efforts, and was placed on the National Historic Register in 1980.

Opening night at the Opera House was a grand affair, with the premier performance serving as the backdrop for visiting dignitaries, and putting Cleveland on the map as a cultural center. But perhaps the most memorable performance came in 1906, when legendary conductor John Philip Sousa and his band shook the rafters and thrilled the hundreds in attendance.

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Allan Jones and the Joys of “Being Green”

W. Allan Jones, Jr. is a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist whose insatiable curiosity and indefatigable energy have propelled him into a life of wealth and privilege. It is a life for Allan Jones that comes with heavy responsibility and acute accountability. One way in which Allan gives back to his community is by ensuring that an ever-growing number of trees provides a lush canopy that is not only beautiful, but also environmentally healthy. In fact, one could say that Allan Jones was “green” before being “green” was cool.

Allan Jones’ hometown of Cleveland, TN, enjoys a high density population of trees. The community can thank Allan Jones and his father, William A. (Bill) Jones for that. Both father and son share a great love for trees, and the tree-lined streets of downtown Cleveland are a testament to the personal commitment made by both Bill Jones and his son, Allan.

Many of the city’s tree-lined streets, school parks and playgrounds, and the Courthouse Square have been beautified by the tree-planting programs of Allan Jones. In 2000, Jones donated dozens of historic Johnny Appleseed trees to each school in Cleveland. Grafted from the trees planted in the 1800s by John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed), these special trees were planted in small orchards on the campus of every school. Today, hundreds of these trees are being sustained and nurtured by Cleveland’s students.

More recently, W. Allan Jones was one of a few special members of the community who generously donated funds for a landscaping and tree-planting project to beautify the Courthouse Square. Jones also is responsible for funding a project that built and installed an extensive sprinkler system to ensure that the plants and tree are properly hydrated.

Jones is so fond of trees, in fact, that he has been known to berate citizens or local utility companies who, in his opinion, are too aggressive in their tree cutting or trimming endeavors. It is said that Allan Jones would go to almost any length to prevent the loss of a tree. In fact, on his own personal property, many of the landscaping and building decisions are centered around not only preserving trees, but maximizing their beauty and their relationship to surrounding structures or property features such as roads and ponds.

Allan Jones is also responsible for Cleveland’s being awarded an official “Tree City USA” designation. In addition, the city of Cleveland employs a fulltime arborist to ensure that this growing resource is protected and preserved for all to enjoy.

Allan Jones next green project is likely to be landscaping beautification on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he is a Foundation Board Member.

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CEO Allan Jones on Tennessee’s “Power 100” List

Business Tennessee Magazine’s April issue features the publication’s fourth annual list of the state’s 100 most powerful people. Check Into Cash CEO Allan Jones is listed at number 75 on the list.

The magazine’s description of Jones says that he “…personifies the power of personal wealth…and is a philanthropic force throughout East Tennessee.” His political savvy and industry activism with the founding of CFSA are also highlighted.

The list is compiled from Tennesseeans who “move people to action and effect change.” In other words, it is the movers and shakers that make up the list. Gov. Phil Bredesen is number 1 on the list, while Dolly Parton is 14, Pat Summitt is 35, Sen. Bob Corker is at number 37 and Phil Fulmer comes in at 94.

The magazine notes that almost 25 percent of the names on the list are first-timers this year, while barely half appeared on the first list in 2004. Business Tennessee is published monthly by Decision Media Inc. in Nashville. To read the complete article, visit www.businesstn.com

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Clarence E. Harris Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame 2003

W. Allan Jones founded Check Into Cash in 1993 and grew it into a billion-dollar-a-year enterprise. For nearly 25 years, before starting Check Into Cash, he expanded his family’s Credit Bureau business before selling it in 1998. Mr. Jones came into his father’s business at the age of 20 while a student at Middle Tennessee State University. He worked six-day work weeks and long hours to learn and grow the business started by his father, W.A. (Bill) Jones, Jr. Eventually, Credit Bureau Services of Cleveland grew to include nearly a dozen offices from Atlanta to Memphis. It was the largest credit collection agency in the state of Tennessee when the sale took place.

On a trip to the Tri-Cities area of northeast Tennessee to see about one of his credit bureau offices, Mr. Jones discovered a business that piqued his interest. A former Credit Bureau owner had opened a check cashing business in Johnson City. Mr. Jones decided he, too would get into the same type enterprise. In 1993, he began Check Into Cash, which made “payday” loans to walk-in customers. The loans terms were up to two weeks on $200 checks for fees ranging from $15 to $18. The business proved popular with customers and profitable for Mr. Jones, whose company had more than 700 Check Into Cash stores by late 2002.

Mr. Jones is chairman of Jones Management Services, the management firm for Check Into Cash and Jones Properties, LLC, which owns numerous historical buildings in downtown Cleveland. Mr. Jones was instrumental in helping restore the city’s downtown business district and relining city street with trees for aesthetic appeal and environmental stewardship.
An avid collegiate wrestling enthusiast, Mr. Jones founded and financed the first Cleveland.

Bradley Wrestling club. His philanthropy includes giving to UT athletics, money to UTC’s wrestling program, and causes and institutions in his hometown of Cleveland. In 2002, he built the Jones Wrestling Center on the campus of his alma mater, Cleveland High School. He named the arena after his Dad, the late Bill Jones. He also joined another Cleveland businessman in providing a portion of the money to help Bradley Central High School built their center. Also, he serves on a number of community boards and was given Cleveland’s highest award, the M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award given by the Chamber of Commerce.

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Tall Betsy:
Cleveland’s “Official Goblin” Brought to Life by Allan Jones

The legend of Tall Betsy is well known in Southeast Tennessee.  Beginning in 1980, the 7’6” tall goblin scared, teased and delighted Clevelanders of all ages on Halloween night.  She came out on that scariest of nights, leaving her “home” at Fort Hill Cemetery, and heading to Historic Downtown Cleveland’s Centenary Ave. where she proceeded to reign over all at the famous Halloween Block Party.

Each year, crowds would turn out in eager anticipation to see Tall Betsy and hear her recite her legend.  As the years passed, the crowds grew and grew, until a record 25,000 turned out on Centenary Ave. in 1998 for Tall Betsy’s official final appearance. The imposing black-clad figure, towering over the crowds below, was even honored with an official legislative proclamation in 1989 declaring her “the official goblin of her hometown, Cleveland, TN.”

And the man behind Tall Betsy?  None other than local businessman Allan Jones, a native Clevelander who wanted to keep the spirit of this famous goblin alive for future generations of kids on Halloween night.  Jones would spend hours getting into the elaborate costume, climbing onto the stilts and making his way to Centenary Ave. There, he would hold court outside his home, and make sure that the thousands of costumed kids got a piece of candy along with a good scare.

And even though the original Tall Betsy is retired, her costume and legend continue each Halloween at the Museum at Five Points, where a storyteller dons the famous costume and tells the scary tale of Cleveland’s best-loved goblin. And the Halloween Block Party
continues each year on Halloween night, as thousands of costumed kids go door-to-door on Centenary Ave., and the Courthouse Square comes alive with music and fun, thanks to the generosity of Allan Jones and his very own Tall Betsy.

 

The Legend of Tall Betsy
She comes out only on Halloween
On Centenary Avenue she can be seen.
Tall Betsy is the “Lady in Black”
For scaring “night-owls” she has a Knack.
Now if you’re good and go home early,
You won’t get ‘et by this gruesome girlie.
But if you linger ‘til after ten,
We want you to know you’re a “has-been.”
Cause Betsy will tuck you under her arm,
And you can bet, that’s cause for alarm.
To Fort Hill Cemetery she will go,
To her mausoleum, with you in tow!
If you don’t escape before sunrise
I warn you now you’ll be her prize.
She’ll have you for breakfast, I do not jest,
You’ll be on the menu, not as her guest.
Your bones she’ll dump in that old well,
At Arnold School, and no one will tell.
Your parents, they’ll worry and fret,
They’ll search all over for you, I’ll bet
So, go home early on Halloween night,
And November 1st you’ll be all right.
Trick or treating is so much fun,
But if you see Tall Betsy, you’d better run.

http://www.tallbetsy.com/

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Allan Jones and MainStreet: A Winning Combination

It was in 1990 that Allan Jones visualized what a revitalized downtown could mean to the city of Cleveland and the surrounding community. With that idea in mind, he founded MainStreet Cleveland, an organization whose goal is to revitalize, beautify and improve the downtown area’s business climate.

Jones was not only the founding member of MainStreet, but he also served as its first president. He also allowed MainStreet’s first director to maintain an office in his building and use his office equipment and staff as the organization was getting started.

In connection with his MainStreet activities, Jones was responsible for the planting of thousands of trees along city streets, in parks and playgrounds and on school campuses. Because of his efforts, Cleveland has been recognized since 1991 as an official Tree City U.S.A. Jones’ tireless interest in community growth and preservation continues today and can be seen is many areas of the city. And MainStreet itself maintains a growing membership representing scores of active and engaged members from many downtown businesses

.

http://www.mainstreetcleveland.com/

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