JOHN COFFELTContributor

While the season has concluded for the Tullahoma High School boys’ basketball team, the Class 3A State Runners-Up and their coaches received recognition for their magical season from both the city and the school board this week.

Starting off on Monday, April 14, the boys’ basketball team was presented with a certificate of recognition from the Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Aldermen. As the boys and coaches gathered to the front for a picture, Mayor Lynn Sebourn jokingly said he could finally be in front for the photo, since some of the players stood over him. After the photo, Sebourn asked if the coaches wanted to share a few words, and Head Coach Jason Welch thanked the board for having them there and presenting the certificate of recognition, as well as thanking Tullahoma City Schools’ Athletic Director John Olive and City Administrator Jason Quick, who was unable to attend due to illness.

“(Tullahoma) is a blessed place to be,” Welch said. “Thank you guys for having us tonight.”

The celebrations continued for team as the Tullahoma City Schools Board of Education celebrated the team as part of its “Students Celebration” portion of the April 15 meeting.

TCS Director of Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens said the school district was very proud of the team as it took a lot work and effort to make it to state and finish as runner-ups.

“We have to thank our trainers, our coaches, our parents and our fans who come out and support,” Stephens said. “It’s so much fun to be around this sport and watch everyone rally for these young athletes. They were just exceptional.”

Then, one at a time, Stephens called up each player to receive individual recognition and certificates. The following players were recognized: Xavier Farrell, Khani Johnson, Alex Bobo, Sam Bobo, Austin Tinnon, Jayden Thompson, Lukas Price, Alex Miller, Will Hyden, Andrew Carmack, Gage Allen, Payton Behrendorff, Elijah Alexander, Cayden Poff, Noah Jones, Colton Tinnon, Jaylen Malone, Kyran Peace, Keegan Taylor and Jackson Knight. Coach Welch and his staff were also received recognition and certificates as well.

Following the group photo, Welch addressed the school board and audience where he once again thanked everyone for having the team at the meeting. He shared that the team broke a record by winning 32 games, as the previous record was 24 wins,

“It was a fantastic year,” Welch said. “Thank you guys for all of your support. We really have great support from Tullahoma.”

Welch recognized the members of the school board, THS Principal Dr. Greg English and the parents of the players specifically for their support to the team. Welch then praised the team from starting as sixth grade boys to being all state players in the six years he has been in Tullahoma.

“It takes all of us to make good things happen,” Welch said. “These young men worked very hard. I have the best coaching staff in Tennessee, there was no doubt about it.”

Welch finished by calling the year “a blessed year” and couldn’t be prouder of a group in his life. He thanked everyone for letting him and the team represent Tullahoma, and said he was looking forward to team reflecting back on this time in ten years.

“I’m looking forward to those things the most,” Welch said. “Thank you for having us, we love doing what we do.”