Tony Cosey to resign as CAK track, cross country coach

Tony Cosey will continue to serve the area as a distinguished track and field coach. It just won’t be in an official capacity at Christian Academy of Knoxville.

Cosey, the seven-time University of Tennessee track All-American who competed in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, plans to resign from his dual post as CAK’s cross country and track and field coach.

“I’ve already told my team,” said Cosey, 42. “So yes, it’s happening.

“… I could better serve my daughter (CAK sophomore Taylor Cosey) and other athletes in town that have asked for my help by not being in an official capacity at a school; making myself available for those who are looking for coaching.”

Attempts to reach CAK athletic director John East were not immediately successful.

Cosey, a Central graduate, was hired at CAK in 2011. He estimates 12 players have been offered college scholarships with his guidance, most notably current junior Rebecca Story, who on Monday was named Gatorade Tennessee’s girls cross country runner of the year.

Cosey also coached CAK’s girls to the KIL cross country championship this past season and his girls won the Class A/AA state title in 2012.

“That’s not bad for a small school,” said Cosey, a financial adviser by trade. “This was a family decision. I intend to continue to coach. In this day and age of private coaching, that can happen. Nobody’s going to coach my daughter but me. She’s the only one that doesn’t have a choice.

“But it’s going to give me a chance to pour into the kids that want my time.”

Contact Chris Thomas at chris.thomas@knoxnews.com. Follow him at twitter.com/christhomaskns