If there is one person who embodies the spirit of the Magee Trojan it is Magee High School volunteer Jeff Anderson. He spends his days there and assists where needed at the school and in sports, especially football. Anderson is characterized by those around him as nice, kind, sincere, caring, and servant leader.
Anderson, 53, is a Simpson County native, having grown up in the Dry Creek area where he still resides. He is the middle of three children, having two sisters, Tina Barnes and Sandra Craft, who love him fiercely. Anderson is also close to his niece, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition, he is loved by the students at Magee High School along with the teachers, staff and sports fans alike.
“Jeff grew up loving football,” explained Craft. “Our dad loved football and growing up, he took us to most all the games. Our dad and Jeff would go to the practice field at least one afternoon a week and watch the Trojans practice football. They were true fans in every sense of the word!” Father and son would often be waiting at the gate when it opened.
Barnes agreed, “Almost every Friday night growing up, we were at a football game. If our Dad could find someone to drive us to the off games, we would load up and go. Jeff always wanted to be a kicker and in his younger days, he would be outside practicing all the time.”
Anderson has been volunteering at MHS for 16 years. He typically arrives on campus between 6:15 and 6:30 a.m. to set out cones and barricades. Most days wrap up around 5:30 p.m. as he removes barricades, finishes laundry and assists the football team to put away practice equipment.
First year head football coach Zach Jones said, “Jeff was the first person I met when I arrived on campus in April of 2021. I learned quick just how important he was to Magee (High School).” Anderson has many responsibilities within the football program including organizing football equipment for practice and maintaining the football facilities. According to Jones, he also keeps a watchful eye on their buses keeping them clean. “Jeff takes pride in helping our players keep our facility clean and organized. Most importantly, he greets people with a smile and kind word each day.”
The new field house is definitely Anderson’s domain. Former Coach Teddy Dyess even assigned him an office. Anderson maintains the field house as if it is a second home, and to a large degree it is. He keeps equipment in order, cleans the facility and the outside grounds as well. He has been friends with many coaches through the years including coaches Kinslow, Cowart, Huffman, Mangum, Luckey, Dyess and now, Coach Jones.
In addition, Anderson is loved by members of the football team. “He is always willing to help them out.” Coach Jones continued, “Our players know how valuable he is to our program. Jeff is the most loved person in our football program.” Jones added, “If you look up ‘servant leadership’ in the dictionary, there’s a picture of Jeff’s face right there.”
Anderson is a big fan of Mississippi State University football too, watching those games on television. He has also had the opportunity to attend Southern Miss football games. “It’s a lot of fun,” he said. Like many others here, Anderson is a fan of the New Orleans Saints.
He enjoys Big Macs, cheeseburgers, french fries and fried chicken. When he is at home he spends his time outside tending his yard or doting on his dog, Daisy. Anderson loves all holidays and he hosts a family gathering each year on New Year’s Eve where they build a fire, shoot fireworks, and ring in the New Year at midnight. He attends Dry Creek Baptist Church, where is a greeter.
Anderson also assists David Dunn, City of Magee Recreation Director, as needed at the Jimmy Clyde Sports Plex.
Anderson is the first to say that he spends more time at Magee High School than he does at home, but he likes it that way--he prefers to stay busy. And while the days are long they are, according to Anderson, “good, long days. It gives me something to do. I love it.”
