Smith Resigns As Virginia High Coach

BRISTOL, Va. – Terry Smith wouldn’t call it a mid-life crisis, but he admitted that he’s hit a crossroads in his career as an educator.

At age 40, Smith said, he needs to reflect and to re-evaluate. He’s thinking very strongly about returning to school to work on a doctorate, with an eye toward a career move from teaching into administration.

“I think now is a good time to step back for a year,” he said.

Smith does know one thing about his future: It will not include Virginia High football.

Smith on Friday told school administrators and his players that he is resigning as head football coach. He will remain as head track & field coach and continue to teach wellness and driver’s education.

While his reasons for stepping down are personal – Smith said he is looking at the doctoral programs at East Tennessee State, Appalachian State and his alma mater, Virginia Tech – he acknowledged that the Bearcats’ struggles the past two seasons factored into his decision.

The Bearcats finished 3-7 this season and were 4-6 in 2007.  Smith, a Johnson City, Tenn., native who took over the program in 2004, finishes with a 21-33 record. His first three teams reached the playoffs, losing once to Tazewell and twice to Richlands.

“Obviously, the record the past two seasons is disappointing,” Smith said. “I thought we would be a lot better, but we didn’t get it done, bottom line.

“It has been awfully tough the past two years. It was not because of a lack of effort on the part of the kids or the coaches. We just didn’t have it. We were snakebit this year: We had a chance to win every game we were in, but it just didn’t happen. But I’m not going to make excuses. That’s not what I’m about.”

Dr. Martin Ringstaff, the Virginia High principal, said his goal is to fill the position with a teacher, whether from within or from outside the district.

“Hopefully, we can attract a candidate who is formidable for Virginia High,” Ringstaff said. “Our time frame is pretty loose. We will take the time to make the right decision.”

Ringstaff also thanked Smith for his service to the football program.

“Terry resigned for his own reasons,” Ringstaff said. “I think he had opportunities he wanted to explore, and we support his decision. We wish him well.”

Smith said he was proud of what he was able to accomplish at Virginia High. While members of the now-defunct Highlands District, the Bearcats under Smith won three district titles, reached the state playoffs and won the programs first playoff games in 17 years. He also noted that during his tenure, 13 Virginia High players went on to play in college.

“We’ve had a lot of positives, but the last two years have been negative,” Smith said. “In coaching, it’s often a question of ‘What have you done for me lately?’ We have struggled, and that’s the way it goes sometimes.

“But I am proud of the kids. They will bounce back fast. And my future is bright. That’s all I can ask.”

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