OKALOOSA ISLAND — One was the face of Fort Walton Beach Parks and Recreation for 32 years. The other a philanthropist instrumental in the formation of the Emerald Coast Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Wuerffel Trophy and the All Sports Association fish fry among many other things.
Fittingly, Gene Peters and John Watts became the 45th and 46th members to be enshrined into the All Sports Association before the 56th annual banquet Friday at NWF State College’s Raider Arena.
For Peters, it was his three boys (Jeff, Greg and Joey) who set the stage for his speech. They painted the picture of a man whose professional life blended with his personal life, who lived for area athletic and “was in the business of kids.”
And the anecdotes were plenty. Like the time the former FWB director of parks and recreation personally outfitted 300 city kids with football pads and jerseys simply because he couldn’t live with himself if he didn’t know each one was safe. Like the countless times he’d burn the midnight oil writing up the results for area games, going so far as to deliver them them to the Playground News (Now the NWF Daily News) for print. It’s that work ethic and commitment to the area that made him a role model for his boys, their friends and the community.
“If you can build relationships, you’ll be successful,” said Peters, whose legacy continued on as Jeff proceeded him in the FWB director role and grandson Brady is now in the same role in Crestview. Peters also deflected most of the praise to the countless volunteers who coached and help make the department run.
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“You guys are the real heroes,” he said.
Watts, meanwhile, completed the trifecta of ASA honors: President of the ASA, Col. Al Byrne Award winner and now HOF member. The son of local legend Edwin, Watts was introduced by good friend Tom Brassell, a 2020 ASA HOF honoree and the former Executive Director of the Wuerffel Trophy.
Brassell painted Watts as a man “who cares so much about others” and “who wants zero credit for anything,” who has and continues to advocate for causes and foundations near and dear to the community’s heart.
Like the time when the Walker Boxing Academy needed a ring, enter Watts. Like when the late Patrick Keefe’s family set up a gofundme that raised $105,000, Watts stepped in to make sure the funds went directly to Choctawhatchee High getting its state-of-the-art weight room named after Keefe.
But most important was his commitment to helping the Wuerffel Trophy — college football’spremier award for community service — take flight and gain the notoriety it deserved. It now is part of the Home Depot College Football Awards show by ESPN and is mentioned in the same sentence as the Heisman.
Most important was making sure ASA founding member Buck Smith’s dream of having an FCA chapter in Okaloosa and Walton Counties come to fruition. It’s impact on the area is immeasurable, and along with starting the Thursday night Fish Fry that accompanies Banquet week, the FCA hosts a breakfast and speech by the Taylor Haugen Award winner the morning of every ASA Banquet.
With every cause, Watts has excelled. Hence the accolades. He and Peters, enshrined forever.
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