Looking back before looking ahead. According to NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM & WNWS.COM, here are the top 10 most visited online local sports stories for 2019. Date each story appeared online is in parenthesis.
1) Carl Diffee Jr. named new head football coach at Milan
It didn’t take the Bulldogs long to name a new head football coach.
Carl Diffee Jr. was introduced to his Bulldog team Monday afternoon, just two weeks after former coach Craig ‘Teddy’ Pettigrew was forced out of the position.
A Jackson Tennessee native, Diffee, 30, comes to Milan after a successful stint at North Panola High School in Sardis Mississippi.
North Panola credits Diffee for helping turn around a program that was the doormat of Mississippi High School football.
Three seasons prior to Diffee joining the varsity staff, the Cougars were 6-24, including two, 1-win seasons. In his role as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, the Cougars surged to four straight playoff appearances.
When Diffee was named head coach in 2016, he led his team to a 10-3 record with a quarterfinal playoff appearance in his first season. His second season, his team set three school records by winning the first district title in school history, recording the best record in school history at 13-1 that included a trip to the semi-finals.
He went 12-2 in his third year that included back-to-back district titles and another trip to the semi-finals. In 2019 the Class 3A Cougars were 8-4 but lost all four games by a combined 14 points. His four year record at North Panola was 43-10, with a playoff record of 8-4.
Diffee will become Milan’s 5th head coach in the last 48 seasons.
“Traditionally, Milan is the premier football program in West Tennessee,” Diffee said. “I’m excited about the opportunity and I know I’ve got big shoes to fill.” (DECEMBER 2)
FOR COMPLETE STORY CLICK HERE
2) Jeff Morris, former Milan head football coach, enters TN Football Coaches Hall of Fame
Jeff Morris, who directed Milan High School’s football program to State Titles in 1998 and 1999, will be inducted into the 2019 Tennessee Football Coaches Association (TnFCA) Hall of Fame, Saturday.
The event will be held at 9 a.m., at Life Church in Cookeville.
Morris coached 22 seasons at Milan – 1996 to 2017 – and compiled a record of 222-68.
He won 10 or more games in 12 different seasons, and made the state playoffs 21 years.
Under Morris, the Bulldogs had a 53-19 record, winning the 2A state title in 1998, and the 3A crown in 1999.
Milan played for the state title six times, finishing as runner up in 2008 (2A), and 2009, 2011 and 2012 in Class 3A. (DECEMBER 4)
3) Jackson on hit list to lose MILB franchise
If an article that appeared in The New York Times is correct, the Jackson Generals, the Southern League’s Double A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks – will become extinct.
Management could not be reached for comment on the proposal which would begin with the 2021 season.
MLB contends reorganization is necessary to make the minor leagues more efficient and to improve conditions and facilities.
According to the NY Times, a Major League Baseball proposal would drastically alter the landscape of minor league baseball, severing the major-league affiliations of 42 teams in the lower levels of the minors.
The Generals are one of the 42 teams on the list. (NOVEMBER 18)
FOR COMPLETE STORY CLICK HERE
4) Southern League cancels final 2 games in Jackson
The Jackson Generals played their series final against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Saturday.
Games scheduled for Sunday and Monday have been canceled by the Southern League office scheduled for Sunday and Monday at The Ballpark at Jackson, allowing the Jumbo Shrimp to return home and prepare their families and belongings for the impending arrival of Hurricane Dorian in Florida.
Tickets previously purchased for Sunday and Monday’s games can be exchanged for the Generals’ playoff game against the Montgomery Biscuits at 6:05 p.m., Friday, at The Ballpark at Jackson. (SEPTEMBER 1)
5) Josh Coburn, Haywood High baseball pitcher, selected by Detroit in MLB Draft
Josh Coburn, a 2016 graduate of Haywood High School, was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 25th round of the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft.
Coburn, a 6-foot, 5-inch left-handed pitcher, who played at Kennesaw State University, was the 742nd player chosen.
At Kennesaw State, Coburn’s career statistics included a 2-3 record with a 4.96 earned run average.
He started 12 games and allowed 64 hits, 43 runs (27 earned), issued 31 walks and recorded 36 strikeouts.
Before enrolling at Kennesaw State, Coburn pitched at Jackson State Community College. (JUNE 6)
6) Jackson Generals making ‘major announcement’
No details are available, but according to a press release, Marcus Sabata, assistant general manager of the Jackson Generals, and the Jackson Chamber will be making a major announcement at 10 a.m., Monday, at The Ballpark at Jackson.
In addition, Sabata will be available briefly to the media at the conclusion of his statements.
The Jackson Generals are the Southern League’s Double A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. (JULY 26)
NOTE: Announcement was 2020 Southern League All-Star Game will be played in Jackson)
7) Jackson Generals issue statement about possible loss of franchise
From the Jackson Generals –
Below is a statement from the Jackson Generals in response to the recent story published in the New York Times:
“The Jackson Generals organization became aware that we were on the list of 42 clubs proposed for re-assignment on November 4th and since then, we have worked diligently to get a reason for our inclusion to no avail.
“MiLB (Minor League Baseball) has assured us, however, that they have no intention of allowing this proposal to take effect.
“Both MLB (Major League Baseball) and MiLB have both acknowledged that negotiations are in the early stages. We will respect the negotiating process and allow our negotiating team to handle the situation, but I can assure our fans and partners that we have no intention of going anywhere.
“I am confident that the Jackson Generals, the City of Jackson, Congressional leaders and MiLB will do all that is necessary to make sure we continue to provide quality family entertainment in West Tennessee for years to come. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to defending our Southern League Championship in 2020. Go Generals!”
Marcus Sabata
General Manager
Jackson Generals Baseball Club
8) More than a coach – Dexter Williams enters Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame
Joe North, Ellen Renfroe Reed, Brandon Rowland, Dexter Williams and Jeff Wyatt are the newest members of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame.
The five will become the 34th class inducted when ceremonies are held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center at 6:30 p.m., April 18.
NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM & WNWS.COM visited with Dexter Williams for a Question and Answer session.
As head basketball coach at Liberty Technology Magnet High School, Williams produced the first TSSAA state high school boys basketball title in the City of Jackson in 2006.
Liberty, which opened in 2003, repeated as state champions in 2007.
He was named the Tennessee Boys Basketball Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2007.
Williams is the Director of Schools for the West Carroll Special School District. (APRIL 1)
FOR COMPLETE Q&A CLICK HERE
9) Haywood faces 2-year postseason ban after coaches tossed in state tournament game
The TSSAA has banned Haywood High School’s baseball program for two years and levied a fine of $4,500 after head coach Dusty Rhodes and assistant Alex Whitwell were ejected during the 2019 State Tournament in Murfreesboro.
Coaches were ejected for arguing with umpires during an elimination game in the TSSAA Class 2A quarterfinals against Sequatchie County, May 22.
The Tomcats fell 6-4, one day after a 12-2 loss to the Forrest Rockets.
Administrators of Haywood County School officials could not be reached for comment, and telephone calls were not returned. (MAY 31)
10) North, Renfroe, Rowland, Williams & Wyatt elected to Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame
Joe North, Ellen Renfroe Reed, Brandon Rowland, Dexter Williams and Jeff Wyatt are the newest members of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame.
The five will become the 34th class inducted when ceremonies are held at 6:30 p.m., April 18 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.
“This is a talented, diverse group of individuals who have made great contributions in this community,” said Tyreece Miller, president of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame, “They have impacted others with their perseverance and teaching that goes far beyond athletics.” (JANUARY 10)
FOR COMPLETE STORY CLICK HERE
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalk1015/
