LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
FROM JAMES A. RAY
James A. Ray was principal at
Madison High School for Carl's
four years.
To Whom It May Concern:
Carl attended Madison High School during my tenure as principal of the school. Carl was an inspiration to many people. Being born with one leg did not hinder Carl when playing football, basketball, competing in track and field, and becoming all he could be. This competitive interest and spirit began at an early age in his community as he played with his friends. He believed he could accomplish anything he wanted to do even through he had only one leg.
Carl had a great sense of humor while playing sports and could take teasing. A funny situation occurred one day when a three-legged dog came onto the football field during practice. One of the players shouted. “Carl, there goes your dog.” Carl took the statement in stride and laughed with everyone else. One of the funniest incidents occurred during a basketball game. Carl played forward and center on the team and one night, an official called a foul on Carl for traveling. That statement brought the house down and even the official who called the foul had to laugh when he recognized the situation.
Carl was a high jumper, shot putter, and discus thrower on the track team. He was a defensive lineman on the football team. A player who played against Carl during a football game thought that it would be easy to block him because of his one leg. He found out that it was practically an impossible task to accomplish. Carl was well respected by district and non-district football team members.
Carl’s accomplishments both on and off the field have been an inspiration to many people. He was an ideal role model for his classmates and those who attended the school after he graduated. He was a faithful member of the Student Council and was a leader who led by example.
Carl has always been a person who encourages others to be the best they can be and he never let all of the notoriety and media attention during his school career go to his head.
It is without reservation that I, James A. Ray, recommend Carl Joseph to be inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Sincerely,
James A. Ray
