ThomasDenton 79 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 Has there been any news on interviews, hires, etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hhstigers7327 217 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 Hopefully they can find someone who will STAY and coach these kids for multiple years. Besides wright the people that have made the decisions on the coaches have done an awful job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plywood_King 517 Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 Not to say that Wright was a bad hire, but anytime that you hire a head football coach who is an AD that has already retired from coaching football, longevity isn't among the attributes that you're looking for in a coach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasDenton 79 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 Thought we had a winner with Witten (young, looking for a start running his own team, and brought tons of energy and hope to the program) but we all see how that turned out. Then we had a winner in Wright (great man with very good morals who knew how to run a program and win) but wasn't going to be there for long. If we could just find someone in between the two I think we'd be alright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigO 316 Report Share Posted February 19, 2015 Maybe you'll get Bowles. Sorry, that wasn't even funny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasDenton 79 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2015 I just wish there was some kind of update from someone at the school. I haven't heard anyone around even talking about it. I know I'm not really involved with the team anymore, but it still feels like no one is curious about this or cares. I really hope that's not the case and that the assistants (whoever is still with the team) are keeping things going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bearcat Bob 491 Report Share Posted February 20, 2015 I heard that Thurman loved his time at VHS and SWVA so much that he is applying to coach at JSB! Truthfully, I would not wish that on anyone...except maybe Tennessee High. V-Cats 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHScoach 2 Report Share Posted February 20, 2015 I said this over on the Mountain District board, but I have heard they are going to hire one of the young coaches from Tennessee High that they interviewed for the position last year. I hope they get it right down there this time. The SB Meeting is Monday. I hope they succeed after week 1 at Abingdon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futbolking 766 Report Share Posted February 21, 2015 You may not know until July. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coachm 21 Report Share Posted February 22, 2015 No he will be announced Monday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigO 316 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 Now you have your answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redtiger 1,740 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 Thoughts??? Seems like a short timer to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasDenton 79 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 Britt Stone, former TN High assistant, named new head coach at Battle. http://www.tricities.com/sports/article_f7cd1d1c-bc54-11e4-94db-d7b83dc48441.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasDenton 79 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2015 Britt Stone new head football coach at John Battle BRISTOL, Va. – Britt Stone describes himself as a “high-energy†guy. That’s why the past few days have been so challenging for the 29-year-old Alabama native. “I didn’t sleep Saturday or Sunday night. I guess that was part of the reason that I was so at peace Monday,†Stone said. After weeks of meeting, waiting and hoping, Stone was officially named as the new John Battle head football coach late Monday night during a meeting of the Washington County School Board. During an interview Tuesday afternoon, the Ozark, Alabama, native offered insight into his circuitous journey from Osceola High School in Florida and Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia to Battle Hill. “My goal has been to be a head coach one day,†Stone said. “Did I think opportunity would present itself this early? Probably not. But this opportunity at John Battle was special.†Stone, who is married to former Tennessee High and Liberty University basketball star Courtney Watkins, was a four-year starter on the offensive line at Liberty. In addition to guiding the Flames to a pair of Big South Conference titles, the 6-foot-2, 275-pound Stone was selected as all-conference pick as a senior. He earned an undergraduate in youth ministry at Liberty before acquiring a master’s degree in special education in 2009. Stone began his coaching career with a one-year stint as an assistant at Morristown West High School, following up with a three-year apprenticeship at Daniel Boone. For the past two years, Stone served in a variety for roles for Tennessee High head coach Mike Mays. “It’s been a blessing to work under Coach Mays,†said Stone, who favors a power-oriented running attack on offense. “I’ve been able to see all the hard work and the responsibilities that a new head coach faces.†Stone also credits Mays for allowing him to expand his knowledge base in football, including serving in the role as secondary coach. “I always try to learn something new and get better every year, and Coach Mays kind of took me under his wing and allowed me to grow,†Stone said. Due to the inclement weather which forced the closure of Washington County Schools, Stone was unable to meet the Battle faculty, players and assistants Tuesday. “That’s my number one priority,†Stone said. “I want to meet all those people to build those relationships.†Stone has talked with several members of the John Battle community at his church and through informal chats. The topic of stability has been recurrent. “I don’t have a one-year plan, I’ve got a 10-year plan,†Stone said. “I’m really looking forward to listening to everyone and investing in this community.†That community involvement path was the approach used by former head coach Steve Wright, who elevated the Battle program to new heights before resigning after the 2013 season. The Trojans posted a 2-8 record in 2014, a turbulent season in which Wright and Rocky Baker returned as interim co-coaches after Brian Lee resigned after a season-opening blowout loss to Abingdon. Stone attended two Battle games in 2014. “I’ve talked to Coach Wright before at coaches clinics and I’ve heard nothing but good things about him,†Stone said. “Coach Wright did a fantastic job with the Battle program and we share a similar perspective. We believe that football can be a tool that allows you to mold the lives of young men. “I am big on the development of the whole person.†The son of a pastor who lives in the Birmingham, Alabama, area, Stone said he spent many hours praying over his new job. “All my family is in Alabama, but Bristol feels like home to me,†he said. “It has the hometown feel and family values that are important to me and my family. “And I really feel that John Battle is a unique opportunity that will be a good fit for me. It’s all about building those relationships. I see a lot of potential here.†Plywood_King 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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