GRAY DEYOSportswriter

One week after the TSSAA state meet, head coaches of the girls’ and boys’ Tullahoma track teams, Maurice Shaw and Chris Clemens, were asked to resign from their positions. TCS communication specialist Zach Birdsong said the following on the matter.

“Maurice Shaw and Chris Clemens have been integral to the Tullahoma track and field teams. At this time, though, we believe a change is needed in these coaching positions. TCS thanks Coach Shaw and Coach Clemens for their leadership and the time they devoted to our athletes and the track and field programs,”

A job search has now ensued to fill Shaw and Clemens’ positions. This news came as a surprise to many, including some parents of students on the team. One source said that some parents, when hearing the news, had no inkling of why it happened.

Shaw and Clemens have poured in about 30 years combined to the program. Over that span of years, the track team has had many accomplishments, including this season.

The boys’ team sent seven athletes to the state meet this year—Xavier Farrell, Will Hyden, Andrew Ewing, Lucas Willette, Logan Prosser, Jakoby Hill, and Khani Johnson. The girls’ team had two members compete at the event this year, Brindley Duncan and Ella Miller. Both coaches have also had state champions during their tenure.

In 2022 and 2023, Lady Wildcat Lily Storey won the 800m event consecutively at state. In 2014, Kris Howard-Potts won state in the triple jump for the boys.

Both coaches, as shown, have been part of success, so the idea that results in competition have to do with the majority of what went into this decision seems questionable.

Coach Clemens’ response on the call made by Tullahoma shows what ultimately seemed to have led to his and Shaw’s time as track coaches at THS coming to an end.

“I was informed that, although my knowledge of mid-distance and distance running and training is unparalleled, my lack of “big picture” quality that a head coach needs to have was the reason I was asked to step down. In today’s athletic environment, parent involvement and community outreach are vital. I have a tendency to put blinders on and get laser-focused on training and development to the detriment of the other aspects of promoting a program. I’m ok with that assessment. It’s because of that approach, we have been able to experience success in the girls’ track program that hadn’t been achieved in 50 years at the school,” said Coach Clemens.

When asked about the school’s decision, Coach Shaw said he had nothing to say on the matter.

In what has been a memorable year for Tullahoma sports, with multiple teams and individuals making it to state, add this to the list of things to remember.

“I wasn’t expecting this change. But I know that no one person is bigger than a program. There was track before I became a coach. There will be track next spring, and years after that. I would be lying if I said I’m not saddened by the fact I won’t be there to coach a fine group of young adults,” said Coach Clemens.