Pasco’s McHugh humbled by Selmon’s dedication to community

Posted Sep 5, 2011 by Eddie Daniels

Updated Sep 5, 2011 at 12:29 AM

Lee Roy Selmon’s graciousness reached all levels of the Tampa Bay area. On a muggy August night, he made his way to Dade City, speaking to the Pasco High football team at a banquet to kickoff the 2008 season.

That night, three years ago, Pirates coach Tom McHugh was humbled by the appearance. He remained so, clutching on to those memories, Sunday night.

“He took time out of his life to eat dinner with us and talked to the kids about being successful and what it took to be successful,” McHugh said. “Just as a business man and former NFL player and Hall of Famer, that says a lot about a person who will just donate their time and come up and have dinner with a high school football team.”

During his speech that night inside Dr. Don McBath Activities Center, Selmon challenged members of the football team to make a difference not just on the field, but in the community.

“We look around our world today, and in our country and our community there are a lot of things that need to be worked on, that need to be fixed,” Selmon told the crowd of more than 300. “You are the future, and we’re relying on you to embrace what some of those needs are and be prepared to go out and solve some of the problems we have in our community and our country today. It’s a great country. I love America, and it’s the land of opportunity – if you’re willing to work hard and do the right things.”

McHugh said he believes his players took something from that night that will echo for years.

Friday night as Pasco was well on its way to a 54-26 win against Ormond Beach Calvary Christian, McHugh heard a message over the public address system about Selmon being hospitalized.

“I don’t remember what time in the game it was, but (the PA announcer) said he was in the hospital and I heard it through my headphones,” McHugh recalled. “I can’t even describe the feeling that I got. … It’s a sad thing. He was only 56-years-old and it kind of hits home. I still don’t think that I’ve come to terms with it.”

During that meeting in 2008, Selmon gave McHugh personal words of encouragement.

“He actually at the time thanked me for doing the job I do with the kids,” McHugh said. “I remember him telling me how important his high school coaches were to him and how they effect your life. I think, being as principled as he was, I know that was something in his life that really effected him. It made me feel better. Sometimes people will say to you, ‘You’re just a teacher’ or things like that. Someone of his magnitude thanks you for doing the job that you do and helping the kids that you help and maybe being there for someone who may not have someone else it’s (a good feeling).

“I think all too often in life we constantly tell people when they mess up and not when they do good. It’s nice to be told you did good once in a while. It makes you better as a person.”

That season, the Pirates were one win shy of playing for the Class 3A state title.

Follow us on Facebook here and Twitter here.