High School Sports: Coffman welcomes new additions … – State Gazette

Mike Smith is general manager of the State Gazette

As the final seconds ticked away on Saturday at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, and it became clear that Riverdale would win its second straight Class AAA state championship, its fair to say there were more than a few people in Dyersburg thrilled at the accomplishment.

Considering Riverdale head coach Randy Coffman spent close to two decades guiding the Lady Trojan program at DHS, there good reason to understand why there were many of us happy as the final horn sounded. While some were happy, personally, I was thrilled.

Coffman was the first coach former DHS principal Sam Miles introduced me to when coming on board at the paper back in August of 2004. Coffman and I kind of hit it off right away, and I liked the mans confidence. It was never about him, but always about the team he was coaching.

That season, the Lady Trojans had a very special team. Though nearly three years removed from the sports desk, the one picture I said I would never take down still remains. Its one presented to me by the senior members that year. They came within minutes of a state title before falling to a very talented Mt. Juliet squad.

Reflecting on a few things on Saturday after watching the Riverdale win, it was a moment during that 2004-05 season that came rushing into my head.

Prior to the state title game in 2005, Coffman and I stood along the rail at the Murphy Center watching the Class AA title game. Dyersburg was moving to Class AA the following season, and we talked of the opportunity to win a state title in the years to come.

At the time, I never would have realized that Coffman would have to leave Dyersburg to accomplish what we spoke about over a decade ago. However, in life, things change. At the time Coffman interviewed for the Riverdale position, we had several conversations. He wanted our talks to remain private, and I was happy to do so.

When he made the decision to leave, for selfish reasons, I hated to see him and his family leave.

Looking at it now, the decision may turn out to be the best one of his career.

Over the last two years, all Coffman has done is lead the program to a 66-4 overall mark. The Lady Warriors are now back-to-back state champions, a feat rarely accomplished in high school sports. Also, running the table this year to finish a staggering 34-0 is a remarkable accomplishment.

Coffmans special Saturday was capped off when his daughter Sydney gave birth to a granddaughter. I know that was the highlight of the day for the Coffman family that includes son Cade and wife Angie. Talk about being born on a good day.

Lets not forget that Riverdale ended the season as the No.1 team in not only Tennessee, but the entire nation in the USA Today Super 25 poll.

On Monday morning, Coffman was notified that he had been named the 2017 Naismith High School Girls Coach of the Year.

Not too shabby for a man I remember sharing many laughs with over the years. Weve had so many conversations about this and that, I even think I know what he was thinking when receiving word about the honor.

Im sure he gave all the credit to the kids in the program, thanked the administration, and the community for the fantastic amount of support shown throughout the last two seasons.

The success at Riverdale hasnt changed Coffman. We still text back and forth though not talking like when he was 5 minutes away. Its fair to say there are more state titles in Coffmans future, considering that there was one lone starting senior in Saturdays lineup for the championship game against Memphis Central.

Theres no question Coffman walked into a great situation at Riverdale, and hes made the most of the opportunity.

The only way I would have been happier is if it would have happened at Dyersburg. Maybe one day both teams will be at the state tournament at the same time. That would be pretty cool.

So, congrats my good friend on all the success you have worked so hard to achieve. Back-to-back state titles, an undefeated season, a No.1 ranking in the state as well as the entire nation, and today named the national coach of the year.

Many deserving accolades there my friend, but knowing Coffman like I do, Id bet his greatest joy comes when holding the newest addition to the family.

I guarantee that smile is wider than the one seen while holding a gold ball.

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High School Sports: Coffman welcomes new additions ... - State Gazette