Chattanooga Christian School announced on Monday that former Ridgeland head football coach Mark Mariakis is joining Head Coach Rob Spence and the CCS football coaching staff starting the Fall 2015 football season. Coach Mariakis, who was named 2012 National Associated Press Coach of the Year, and regional FCA relationship coach, brings a wealth of coaching and discipleship experience to CCS.
"My experience with Mark stems back to spending time with him at FCA coaches’ camps in North Carolina.
This time coincided with his taking over the Ridgeland football program. I became convinced that he would not only make his mark as he practiced his craft of coaching the game of football, but more importantly, he would leave a lasting impact on the many lives he touched. His humility and concern for his athletes became his professional trademark as he reached the pinnacle of HS football in the state of Georgia. It is a high honor to have him assist our program at CCS in accomplishing the same growth and success," stated Coach Spence.
Reflecting on his future tenure at CCS, Coach Mariakis noted, “I am humbled and blessed for the opportunity to serve the students and staff at CCS. Coach Spence and I go way back, and I know his heart and soul are in the right place to minister to students. From the first time I met with Rob, John Visser, and Bryant Black, I knew that we all were like-minded in the vision and mission of why we are in education. My CCS schedule will work well with my FCA ministry.”
“The staff at CCS is working hard and making great strides in putting a highly competitive team on the football field, Coach Mariakis added. “The facilities are incredible, and with the addition of the new field house, and the effort to hire a quality coaching staff, there should be no reason the students at CCS can’t reach their full potential. My 11 years at Ridgeland created great memories and relationships that will always be with my family and me; and, my wife, Debbie, and I are excited about God’s new journey for the both of us!”
“Most folks know Coach Mariakis as a top tier football coach,” Upper School Head, Bryant Black, observed. “He is also a gifted mentor of young men, coaches, and their families. Our young men and our coaching staff will be blessed on both accounts.”
With Coach Mariakis’ arrival and the August 2015 opening of the CCS Field House with its new strength and conditioning facility and locker rooms, Chattanooga Christian School is looking forward to continuing to build the CCS football tradition in 2015.