Larry Shively has resigned as head football coach at Happy Valley.
The resignation came on Tuesday, Jan. 6, and was officially confirmed on Wednesday by the former head coach.
“Being a head coach is a 24/7, 365 days a year job,” Shively said in an exclusive interview with CarterCountySports.com. “The timing might seem strange. With the reclassification and a bit of a lighten schedule, Happy Valley could be favored nine out of the ten games.
“I have beautiful wife at home and two kids,” he continued. “I’ve been a head coach for five years at Happy Valley and been a coach for 18 years. I think it is time for me to sit back and enjoy the time with my family.”
The experience on Warrior Hill will be one to remember, Shively said.
“I was proud of what we did and the kids that played in our system,” he added. “It was a pleasure coaching them and wish them nothing but the best of luck going forward. Whoever takes the job will have a good team.”
The wins were there on the Hill, but the overall aspect was impacting the lives of the athletes, Shively added.
It was a trait noticed at Happy Valley, athletic director Matt Estep said
“Coach Shively is a great man,” he said. “I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work with him and all he has done for our football program. His main goal was not only to win games but help make those players into great young men.”
In his five-year tenure, the Warriors amassed a 23-29 overall record with two playoff appearances (2010 and 2011). Last season Happy Valley, plagued by injuries, finished 2-8 and went 2-4 in Three Rivers Conference play. The Warriors picked up victories over Unicoi County at home and ended the season with a 27-21 victory over Sullivan North.
