Coach William “Prince” Jones was a legendary championship track and cross country coach at Gulfport High who hails from Walker Springs, Alabama. He was an All-District and All-Coast Basketball and track star at 33rd Avenue High in Gulfport from 1960 to 1963 and a track star at Mississippi Valley State from 1963 to 1967 where he captured the 200 meter dash in 1964 at the Valley meet. Coach Jones began his 40-year coaching career on the Coast in 1967 at his alma mater. He then served as boys track and girls cross country coach at Gulfport High from 1970 to 2007 where he led his Admirals track squads to overall mark of 248-45 out of 293 meets. He guided the boys track team to 19 district titles, 18 regional crowns, 14 South State titles, and 9 State Championships. Coach Jones coached the Lady Admirals Cross Country teams to back-to-back district and state titles in 2000 and 2001. He also served as Gulfport Athletic Director for 11 years while coaching the track and cross country squads. He received three MAC Coach of the Year honors including Boys Track (1988 & 1997) and Girls Cross Country (2001) and was nominated for National Coach of the Year in 1991. He has been a frequent clinic speaker and district instructor in track & field for MHSAA. He served two terms as District 8 President. Coach Jones helped over 100 high school athletes receive college scholarships. His community service includes Gulfport Planning Commission and Harrison County Election Commission. He is a member of the Mississippi Valley State Athletic Hall of Fame.