From left, Coach Jimmy Wills, Trammell Thompson ’20, Coach Tim Thomas after the 2016 VISAA Div. II State Championship.

Blue Ridge Head Football Coach Tim Thomas is stepping down after four seasons at the helm for the Barons.  This move marks the end of a twelve-year coaching career with Blue Ridge that saw much success.  Coach Thomas was a part of the 2012 State Championship campaign and led the Barons to a state title in 2016.  During Thomas’ tenure as head coach the Barons had a record of 25-15 and have made three consecutive state playoff appearances.

“Tim has done an outstanding job leading our football program over the last four years,” says Headmaster Trip Darrin.  “He has certainly left his mark on the Blue Ridge School Football Program and is leaving the program in a great place.”

“Tim’s leadership and outstanding character will be hard to replace,” states Athletic Director Bryan Puckett.  “Blue Ridge School has been fortunate to have a leader with Tim’s experience and knowledge in charge of the football program for the past four years.”

Mr. Thomas is also retiring from his career as a special physical education teacher with the local public school system and plans on heading to Walton High School in Marietta, Georgia, where he will serve as Head Junior Varsity Football Coach and Assistant Varsity Football Coach.

Replacing Coach Thomas as Head Varsity Football Coach is current Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Wills.  Mr. Wills has been with Blue Ridge the past two seasons and played a major role in the 2016 State Championship campaign. “We are excited to name Jimmy Wills as Tim’s successor,” Mr. Darrin states.  “He has proven himself as a coordinator and we expect Jimmy to continue the winning tradition that has been established at Blue Ridge School.”

“We are fortunate to have a very talented coaching staff here at Blue Ridge School and are confident that Jimmy’s leadership will keep the program moving in the right direction,” says Mr. Puckett.  “The Blue Ridge Football Program is in a great place and we believe that Coach Wills is the perfect person to continue the proud tradition of football at Blue Ridge School.”

“Coach Thomas has served as a great mentor and friend to me for many years,” says Mr. Wills who adds: “I thank him for his hard work and dedication to our program here at Blue Ridge while also wishing him success in all of his future endeavors. It is my job to continue building a quality program that focuses on our student athletes’ successes both on and off the field. I believe football plays a large role in the development of our young men and I am honored to serve as the next Head Football Coach.”

The Barons are set to return a solid core of players and look forward to continued success in the 2018 football season.