NASHVILLE, Tenn. - South Gibson High School Head football coach Scott Stidham was named today as the Titans High School Football Coach of the Week. In their first full season playing a varsity schedule, the Medina, TN school defeated Ripley High School 18-16, improving to 3-0 and won their first-ever district game.
In response to the great start and victory, Coach Stidham stated, "We have a great group of kids and coaches. Starting a program from scratch, we are fortunate to have very supportive students, parents, teachers, and community. I am privileged to be a part of this program."
"There's a lot of excitement, in our community as a result of what Coach Stidham has done and he is certainly most deserving of the recognition," said South Gibson's Principal Phil Rogers. "I had the pleasure of hiring him three years ago prior to the school opening and he has does everything I asked him to do as far as building a program and working with the community. Parents are certainly excited about him as our coach, in the manner of not only working with the young men, but also becoming a wonderful role model."
Through the Titans Foundation, team owner K.S. "Bud" Adams, Jr. will make a $1,000 contribution to the South Gibson High School football program in Coach Stidham's honor.
"High school football enjoys a great tradition in Tennessee," said Adams. "That tradition is based not only on the outstanding quality of play but on the devotion of their coaches who continue to develop high school football players into young men of strong character. I'm very pleased to underwrite this program that recognizes the efforts of so many talented high school coaches across the state!"
Coach Stidham will be the team's guest at the Titans vs. New Orleans Saints contest on December 11th when the Titans honor all 2011 Coach of the Week winners. On that date, the Titans will also announce the winner of the 2011 Coach of the Year, who will earn a $2,000 grant for his football program.
Also receiving strong consideration in this week's poll, with their teams having outstanding performances, were Coach Greg Wyant of Siegal, who defeated top-ranked Blackman 37-34; Unicoi County High School Blue Devils Coach Jerad Huskins, whose team defeated Johnson County 33-14 for their first win against that team in 10 years; and Derek Witt of Knoxville Karns High School, who defeated Clinton High 28-0 for the first win over that school since 1987!
Now in its 12th season, Mr. Adams has awarded more than $139,000 from the Titans Foundation to football programs across the state in honor of the Coach of the Week winners.
The criterion for selection includes the coach's impact on his team, school and community. A statewide media panel votes each week to determine the weekly winner. All high school football coaches in Tennessee, regardless of their school's size, league, or division, are eligible to be selected each week. The program is designed to recognize high school coaches who transform, through their hard work and dedication, student-athletes into the best possible football players and citizens in their community.
