John Cartwright (American football)

John B. Cartwright (born May 5, 1946) is an American Baptist pastor who first achieved acclaim as a record-setting quarterback at the United States Naval Academy in the 1960s. After a tour of duty in Vietnam, he became head football coach at Lynchburg Baptist College (now called Liberty University) while attending seminary at the school in Virginia. He then left football to start a church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that he has pastored for over three decades.[1]

John Cartwright
Biographical details
Born (1946-05-05) May 5, 1946 (age 78)
Playing career
1964–1967Navy
Position(s)Quarterback
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1973Lynchburg Baptist (assistant)
1974–1976Lynchburg/Liberty Baptist
Head coaching record
Overall14–13–1
Accomplishments and honors
Awards
  • Second-team All-East (1967)

Playing career

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Cartwright followed Roger Staubach as starting quarterback for the United States Naval Academy as a sophomore in 1965. He led the Midshipmen to some of their finest seasons including a 1967 season that including victories over Penn State, Syracuse, and Army. In the process, he broke 13 of Staubach's school records and set seven others of his own.[2]

Coaching career

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Cartwright spent one season in 1973 as an assistant coach at what is now called Liberty University under Lee Royer. But after Royer died in a plane crash, Cartwright was named the school's second ever head coach and he spent three seasons leading the Flames.[3]

Career at Baptist minister

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Cartwright founded Calvary Independent Baptist Church in the Philadelphia community of Morton, Pennsylvania, in 1977 shortly after graduating from Liberty Baptist Seminary. He remains the only senior pastor of the church after over 30 years. He also began Calvary International Christian School as a ministry of the church.[4]

Head coaching record

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Lynchburg Baptist / Liberty Baptist Flames (Independent) (1974–1976)
1974 Lynchburg Baptist 5–4
1975 Lynchburg Baptist 4–5
1976 Liberty Baptist 5–4–1
Lynchburg Baptist / Liberty Baptist: 14–13–1
Total: 14–13–1

References

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  1. ^ "Calvary Independent Baptist Church Pastor Biography". Archived from the original on January 18, 2008. Retrieved February 27, 2008.
  2. ^ "Passer to Pastor". Archived from the original on January 10, 2007. Retrieved February 27, 2007.
  3. ^ "Liberty Football History" (PDF). Retrieved February 25, 2007.
  4. ^ "History of Calvary Independent Baptist Church". Archived from the original on January 18, 2008. Retrieved February 27, 2008.