E.A. Sports Today

Curry steps aside

Longtime Cherokee County coach, a Weaver grad, announces retirement, thinks after 18 years ‘it will be good’ for Warriors to get ‘fresh blood’

By East Alabama Sports Today

CENTRE – After 18 seasons, more than 100 victories and the school’s only state championship, Tripp Curry has retired as Cherokee County’s head football coach.

The announcement was made Tuesday night at the Cherokee County Board of Education meeting.

Curry leaves as the second winningest football coach in Cherokee County’s history (122-87), behind only Bobby Joe Johnson’s 171-93-3. The three coaches who filled the gap in the eight years between the two giants had a combined 37 wins.

Curry’s teams won five region titles and between 2005 and 2009 made three state championship appearances, the pinnacle coming in 2009 when the Warriors went 15-0 and won the school’s only state football championship.

During his tenure the Warriors enjoyed the school’s first 13- and 14-win seasons as well. His teams won 10 games or more five times.

This year’s team went 4-6 and missed a fourth straight playoff appearance by one game.

Counting his five seasons at Springville prior to landing in Centre, Curry’s all-time coaching record is 171-101.

“I’ve been fortunate,” Curry said. “We’ve had some good players come through here. Centre was a good place when I came here and Centre will always be a good job. I just think this is going to be the best for the program and what’s best for Cherokee County.

“It’s not like I’m mad at Cherokee County or anything like that. I just want to make sure Cherokee County stays strong, with or without me. I’ve been there 18 years and I think it will be good for them to get some fresh blood in there. Whoever gets the job, it’ll be a tough job. Centre people expect to win, but I think it’s going to be a good thing.”

Even before the formal announcement of his retirement Curry’s name had been mentioned as a possible candidate for the vacancy as his alma mater, Weaver.

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