Stacy departs CHS
ROB STACY
Dragons Coach Rob Stacy is moving on after five seasons. He was named to the same position at West High School in Knoxville on Friday.
During his tenure at Clinton, Stacy took a struggling program and made it a competitive force in District 4-AAA.
The Dragons shared a three-way regular-season district title in 2023. They shared the league title with Anderson County and Knoxville Halls.
Clinton finished 15-21 in 2024 and took third in the regular-season standings. Under Stacy’s guidance, the Dragons won 57 games in five seasons. He coached multiple players who went on to play college baseball.
At West, he replaces Mark Allen Bounds, who spent two years as the coach on Sutherland Avenue.
“Mark Allen Bounds is a great coach,” Stacy said. “He left me some good players.”
The Rebels have also struggled in recent years. They have talented players, but also play in one of the toughest districts. District 4-4A is home to three-time defending state champion Farragut, along with Bearden, Maryville, William Blount and Hardin Valley Academy.
“That’s the reason that the job appealed to me,” Stacy said. “You’re in one of the toughest districts, if not the toughest district, in state of Tennessee. You also have some of the best coaches.”
At West, Stacy’s situation will be similar to the one he faced when he arrived in Clinton.
“This is a challenge that a lot of people probably didn’t want to take, but I’ve always been one to take on a challenge,” Stacy said. “I was really impressed with (principal) Dr. (Ashley) Speas and Paul Romero, the athletic director, and their vision for the baseball program.
“I’ve also reached out to some of the West High players, and I’ve started building those relationships. I’m excited.”
Stacy will be one of four new baseball coaches in District 4-4A.
Jason Lambert takes the reins at Maryville. Garrett Copeland takes over for the Admirals after the retirement of legendary coach Matt Buckner. Aaron Simmons is the new coach at Hardin Valley. Bearden’s Dave Pritchard and William Blount’s Justin Young are the lone holdovers.
Stacy’s departure leaves a void at Clinton.
“I had so many phone calls and so many texts,” Stacy said Saturday night. “I was hoping that I had an impact, and judging from on the phone calls and texts, I had an impact.
“I love my Clinton kids and I’ll miss them; I’ll miss the parents,” he said. “I wish I could take them all with me. They are my family away from home. I like and respect (Anderson County Schools Director) Tim Parrott and (principal) Robbie Herrell. Josh (Reid) will be a great athletic director, and together, they will hire the right baseball coach for Clinton High School.”
While at Clinton, Stacy became friends with boys basketball Coach Chris Lockard.
“I’ll miss working with Chris Lockard,” Stacy said. “He’s like my high school coach, athletic director, big brother and best friend all in one.”