Hendersonville’s Bruce Hatfield Steps Down

[insanlylargebarge]

Announced today that long-time Commando’s coach will resign. Will still be active within the school and teaching, I believe, but will no longer coach.

Great man of the community and great model of consistency, with trips to the State Championship games in 1998, 2001, 2010, and 2013 ... 3 of 4 of which were in the State’s highest classification at the time. Always has been able to put out one of the top teams in the region and midstate.

For the Commando faithful - hoping for the best for the transition. This could go like UT, post-Fulmer or UGA post-Mark Richt. The comparisons to the latter are there. Will be odd possibly seeing the black and gold possibly lining up in something other than the Wing-T.

 

[Verb58]

WOW!!!  He definitely gave Hendersonville a great 20 year run.  98'-17'.   

[insanlylargebarge]

15 minutes ago, wave88 said:

WOW!!!  He definitely gave Hendersonville a great 20 year run.  98'-17'.   

 

Got to the big game 20% of the time in the highest classes. Pretty incredible. Next man up will have big shoes to fill.

Edited November 6, 2017 by insanlylargebarge

[ocac]

28 minutes ago, insanlylargebarge said:

Announced today that long-time Commando’s coach will resign. Will still be active within the school and teaching, I believe, but will no longer coach.

Great man of the community and great model of consistency, with trips to the State Championship games in 1998, 2001, 2010, and 2013 ... 3 of 4 of which were in the State’s highest classification at the time. Always has been able to put out one of the top teams in the region and midstate.

For the Commando faithful - hoping for the best for the transition. This could go like UT, post-Fulmer or UGA post-Mark Richt. The comparisons to the latter are there. Will be odd possibly seeing the black and gold possibly lining up in something other than the Wing-T.

 

Confirmed?

[Blaze45]

I hate to hear this. Great respect for what he was able to accomplish,and I believe he got more out of most kids than many coaches ever could have.  He was and is still thought of as one of the better football minds in middle Tenn

[thegreatone36]

What a great coach he was. He will be a hard one to replace! Good luck to Commandos.

[GWAVE1]

Winningest coach ever at Hendersonville and ran the Wing-T to perfection.  He was a tough nemisis but a great coach.  

[Lost Old Dad]

Great Coach and an even better Man.  Good luck replacing him.

[CommandoBlood100]

Just now, insanlylargebarge said:

Announced today that long-time Commando’s coach will resign. Will still be active within the school and teaching, I believe, but will no longer coach.

Great man of the community and great model of consistency, with trips to the State Championship games in 1998, 2001, 2010, and 2013 ... 3 of 4 of which were in the State’s highest classification at the time. Always has been able to put out one of the top teams in the region and midstate.

For the Commando faithful - hoping for the best for the transition. This could go like UT, post-Fulmer or UGA post-Mark Richt. The comparisons to the latter are there. Will be odd possibly seeing the black and gold possibly lining up in something other than the Wing-T.

 

Unlike Fulmer and Richt, Coach Hatfield was not forced out. If I had to guess you will more than likely continue to see the Wing-t from the commandos..

[eers]

1 hour ago, CommandoBlood100 said:

Unlike Fulmer and Richt, Coach Hatfield was not forced out. If I had to guess you will more than likely continue to see the Wing-t from the commandos..

Bundy?

[mondo44]

Sad day for the Commandos. Outstanding coach, better man.  It was always about more than football at HHS.  Every Commando fan should be grateful for the success we achieved under his leadership and the 20 + years he gave this school and I am personally grateful for the 4 years he coached my son.  Good luck to you and your family Coach Hat

[CommandoPride1478]

3 hours ago, insanlylargebarge said:

Announced today that long-time Commando’s coach will resign. Will still be active within the school and teaching, I believe, but will no longer coach.

Great man of the community and great model of consistency, with trips to the State Championship games in 1998, 2001, 2010, and 2013 ... 3 of 4 of which were in the State’s highest classification at the time. Always has been able to put out one of the top teams in the region and midstate.

For the Commando faithful - hoping for the best for the transition. This could go like UT, post-Fulmer or UGA post-Mark Richt. The comparisons to the latter are there. Will be odd possibly seeing the black and gold possibly lining up in something other than the Wing-T.

 

Those are definitely poor comparisons.  Hatfield was certainly not forced out...he just felt it was time.  The Commandos ran the wing t before Hat was the head guy and Im pretty sure they will continue to run it in the future.  One thing to remember....there are several coaches  who are on staff that have been on the staff for 10+ years.  a couple have been there 20+ years with Hat.  I would assume that the new Coach will be promoted from within and the Commandos will keep doing what they do and doing it well.

Hat was a great coach and even greater at molding kids into fine young men.  His assistants are cut in the same mold.  Hat will certainly be missed but it is good to know that he is stepping away from the program with it in great shape.  Should be a fun year next season for whoever gets the job.