PREP FOOTBALL: Lebanon's Adams steps down
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By: Allen Gregory | TriCities.com
Published: December 15, 2011 Updated: December 15, 2011 - 1:01 AM
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Over the past 24 years, John Adams was regarded as one of the most organized and efficient football minds in Southwest Virginia.
Adams, who announced his resignation as the Lebanon head coach Wednesday, posted stirring victories, groomed college level athletes and guided the Pioneers to two appearances in the Division 2 state finals.
But one achievement stands out.
“Yes, it was winning my very first game as a head coach in 1987,” said Adams in a phone interview.
After opening the season with six straight losses, Adams was beginning to doubt his leadership ability and question his strategy.
“I didn’t know if what I was doing was going to work out or if I was good enough to be a head coach,” Adams said. “We finally won that very first game against Patrick Henry. That helped.”
A more lasting stamp of affirmation came the following season as the Pioneers posted a 10-0 regular-season record en route to the Southwest District title.
“I got a lesson in coaching from Norman Lineburg in the first round of the playoffs, but it was good year overall,” Adams said. “We’ve just gone from there.”
A devotee of crossword puzzles, Adams continually sought out and soaked in knowledge from other coaches around the region and state. That discovery process began when Adams played on the offensive line atLebanon from 1964 to 1967 under driven coach Tommy Bryant.
“Under Coach Bryant, I learned the importance of working hard every day to improve. He had a big influence on me,” Adams said.
Adams began his coaching adventure in 1973 when he became an assistant to former Dan River High School head coach Everett Woods.
“Coach Woods was looking for anybody that had football experience,” Adams said. “I didn’t know a thing but I tried to learn all I could.”
After six formative years at Dan River, Adams returned to Lebanon in 1979 where he helped to start the wrestling program and studied under innovative head football coach Larry Smith. Adams later worked as an apprentice to Bo Catron at Lebanon before taking over the top position in 1987.
Lebanon lost 56-7 at Sussex Central in the 1991 Division 2 title game, and then dropped a 30-6 decision at Central-Lunenburg in the 1992 Division 2 championship.
The long list of stars at Lebanon included quarterback Scott Allen, running back Eric Meadows, receiver Aaron Fuller and versatile Brian Summers.
Adams served as the head coach at Virginia High from 2000-2003 before beginning his second stint as the boss of the Pioneers in 2005.
“Each team is kind of like a child, so it’s hard to single out one or two players,” Adams said. “We’ve never had the most raw talent, but Lebanon has always had a lot of good kids who played hard. And I was fortunate to work around dedicated coaches.”
Current Lebanon baseball coach and football assistant Doc Adams was the most loyal lieutenant to Adams.
“Doc and I were together from the start,” Adams said. “We saw it all.”
Lebanon failed to earn a playoff bid this past season after posting a 4-6 record. Adams said the lackluster mark was not the sole reason for his departure.
“If you want to do the job right, the role of a football coach is pretty much 24-7 from January to July once you factor in weightlifting, camps and planning,” Adams said. “I still love the game and it’s going to be different not being on the sidelines as the head coach, but I knew this day was coming.”
From classic rock to bluegrass, Adams has long found a release through concerts.
“My wife and I love live music and we enjoy traveling,” Adams said. “You only have so much time in life. It’s just time to do something different.”
While Adams said he has no desire to be a head coach again, he did not rule out helping with either the youth or junior varsity programs in Lebanon.
“From Coach Bryant to Ralph Cummins, I learned from every coach I played against and knew,” Adams said. “I always believed in practicing hard and playing with a passion, and I enjoyed my time in the game.”
Adams said he has not informed his players of his decision to step down.
“I just wanted to let it all sink in over the holiday break,” Adams said. “I still might be around football in some way but I just won’t be the face of the program anymore.”
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