Wanting to build on the successful foundation that led its football program to last year's Class A state championship, Whitwell High School has promoted defensive assistant Travis Olinger to head coach.
Olinger, who coached the defensive line last season, takes over for Randall Boldin, who resigned last month to become head coach at his alma mater, Waverly.
"We wanted to keep things as familiar for the kids coming back as we could," school principal Teena Casseday said. "Especially since this staff has built the program up over the last couple of years, we just felt like this would be a smooth transition for everyone.
"We've got a good group of seniors coming up and a large group coming up from the middle school, so I'm excited that they will have a coach they're already familiar with and like. Coach Olinger is already here in the classroom and knows the kids walking the hallway. As good as I think he will do on the field, I know he also makes an impact in the class, too."
Olinger, a 1994 East Ridge graduate, began his coaching career at his alma mater, where he spent 11 seasons before joining the Whitwell staff prior to last season. Along the way to winning the program's first state title, the Tigers limited opponents to an average of just 10.3 points per game.
"I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity I have here," Olinger said. "When it was offered, I jumped at the opportunity. Coach Boldin has laid a great foundation, and I want to see that through.
"With my background of having worked with different coaches, I know it's tough for kids to adjust, so a big push for me was wanting to keep everything status quo for a great group of kids we've got coming back."
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.