Coach Clayton Joyner was an adored and loved coach here at Falls Church who unexpectedly passed away last spring at the young age of 29. Since “Reach for the Wall,” was something Coach CJ always said to his swimmers, the school has dedicated our new record board in his honor.

Clayton graduated from Falls Church in 2002. He was very involved in our school; he was a triathlete (cross country, swim, and soccer) all four years and sung in chorus. For his senior superlative he was named “Most Likely to be Remembered”. This showed to be true by how many classmates, friends, and community members came out to support our “Reach for the Wall” Jaguar Record Boards Dedication.

Coach CJ started coaching at FC in 2011. During the three years he coached here his record, 400-yard freestyle relay, was broken by Brett Davey (11), Eric Schwartz (12), Matt Quandt (Class of 2014), and James Sturges (Class of 2014). He was ecstatic and proud of all his swimmers. The one thing that every swimmer who spoke at the dedication said was that he was always so happy and proud of you no matter how you swam. Leelee Jacoby (11) added, “He didn’t care how fast or slow you were; he cared about how much effort you put in. If you had the slowest time he would still be there at the end of the lane saying, ‘You’re awesome; you’re amazing’”. Coach CJ was not only an amazing supporter, he also had record-breaking results. Twenty one of the 24 swim and dive records were broken during his three years of coaching here.

The dedication took place in the Gym Lobby and was very well attended. Mr. Yohe welcomed and read a genuine letter from our Mason District School Board Representative, Sandy Evans. Ms. Kelly also spoke and reminisced on the first time she met Coach CJ. She admired how “he cared about every athlete, whether they were a beginner or one who would compete at states; he positively impacted everyone.” The swim and dive captains read the resolution naming “The Clayton Joyner ‘Reach For The Wall’ Jaguar Record Boards”. This is what was proposed to our School Board in order to name our record board in honor of him. Many other people spoke including neighbors, community members, swimmers, divers, and Coach CJ’s mother, Dr. Nancy Joyner. They all said how much he had positively impacted each of their lives, even in the short time they had with him.

The “Reach for the Wall” Jaguar Record Boards are the best way to honor a man who always told people to “Dream big and live it.” He positively impacted countless lives and will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.