tbgfan 856 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 PREP FOOTBALL: Battles tabs Witten as coach By Spencer Campbell Sports Writer / Bristol Herald Courier Published: February 17, 2009 BRISTOL, Va. – John Battle High School has a new head football coach for the second time in as many seasons. Battle athletic director Larry Cannon confirmed on Tuesday that Volunteer High School assistant coach Ryan Witten, the older brother of Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, has accepted the post. The position opened after Chris Brookshire resigned after one 0-10 campaign. John Battle officials would not further comment on the hire, but Cannon said Witten will be introduced at a press conference at the school on Thursday at 2 p.m. Volunteer High coach Scott Rider, who is Witten’s uncle, said he believes his nephew can turn around John Battle’s program. “He knows how to treat kids well, and he knows how to motivate kids. He’s just full of energy,†Rider said of the 31-year-old Witten. “That’s what a program that’s been down a little bit needs. They need a boost of energy, and I think Ryan can be that boost of energy for them.†Witten played free safety and wide receiver for his grandfather, Dave Rider, at Elizabethton High School in the early 1990s, before playing one season at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. After transferring to Milligan College in Johnson City, Tenn., he began to serve as an assistant coach at Elizabethton High, a position he held for eight years. During his last four years at Elizabethton, Witten served as the freshman coach, leading the Cyclones to an undefeated record in his final two seasons. Witten joined Rider’s staff in 2007. Witten will be the third member of his family to actively hold a head coaching job in the Tri-Cities area, joining Rider and his brother, Shawn, the head football coach at Elizabethton. “It’s just in our blood,†Rider said. “We’ve all grown up around football, playing it, and it’s been a part of our lives since we were real little. Once it gets into your blood, it’s hard to get out.†Witten inherits a Trojan program that is a combined 9-71 since 2001, a challenge that Rider said Witten is excited to tackle. “He was really excited about it,†Rider said. “He knows that it’s a challenge, and he knows that he’s got a lot of work to do and it’s going to be an uphill climb for him, but he’s excited.†scampbell@bristolnews.com|(276) 645-2543 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nadoball 18 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 This does not pertain to this forum. Someone needs to get another SWD forum started up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBlueAlum 12 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 This does not pertain to this forum. Someone needs to get another SWD forum started up What are you talking about? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deuceswild 15 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 This does not pertain to this forum. Someone needs to get another SWD forum started up This is not a SWD forum. It is a SWVA Sports forum, says so right up there in the URL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deuceswild 15 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 This is a good hire for Battle. Ultimately it depends on the kids coming out to play and motivated to play, maybe this guy can instill some confidence in the school as a whole. I remember either JSB's middle school team or JV team had some talent this past season, it may not be too much longer before Battle has a decent season if this guy turns out to be good fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nadoball 18 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 This is not a SWD forum. It is a SWVA Sports forum, says so right up there in the URL Someone needs to get a SWD thread going Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boo77 10 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 This is a good hire for Battle. Ultimately it depends on the kids coming out to play and motivated to play, maybe this guy can instill some confidence in the school as a whole. I remember either JSB's middle school team or JV team had some talent this past season, it may not be too much longer before Battle has a decent season if this guy turns out to be good fit. Hey Duece for once I agree! This is a good hire for JSB. He is very energetic. He will do a great job if they let him. You know how Bristol is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMan 3,569 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 This does not pertain to this forum. Someone needs to get another SWD forum started up Ummm...yes, it does. If you don't like this forum...you can leave...you have my permission and I'm sure Lance would agree... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hokies4Ever 23 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 Hopefully he can get this program turned in the right direction. I think its a good hire for a program that has struggled over the years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thundercloud 179 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 If I was a John Battle fan I would be getting excited. Long line of winners there. Let me make sure I got this right, Rider played for Gainer at Big Creek? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubbdizzy 10 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 yes he did... coached 24 years at elizabethton, 16 at tazewell and 1 at ji burton... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPF 417 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 If I was a John Battle fan I would be getting excited. Long line of winners there. Let me make sure I got this right, Rider played for Gainer at Big Creek? I wonder if they put your picture on the wall there if you finish .500 ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thundercloud 179 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 I wonder if they put your picture on the wall there if you finish .500 ? When I said long line of winners, was talking about Wittens--Rider--Gainer. If John Battle can be turned into a winner, it will take somebody who knows how to get there. Would have to think this guy knows something about that, not to mention some good mentors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8ball 10 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 I agree -- great hire for John Battle -- I had heard he was interested in a SWD school -- wished this would have happened -- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubbdizzy 10 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 where??? family is from sw va Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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