By Thomas Grant Jr.
Change is the theme round the Chapin High School football program.
As refurbishments continue at Cecil Woolbright Field Stadium, the Eagles are beginning a new era at the head coaching position.
After 14 seasons and close to 90 victories, Justin Gentry decided to retire as the school’s second-longest tenured head coach.
Now taking the head perch is Ryan Cole, who was promoted from defensive coordinator. A Clemson graduate, he also coached at fellow Lexington/Richland School District Five school Dutch Fork.
“I am honored and humbled to be in this position and so excited to continue to represent Chapin High School and School District Five,” Cole said in the press release. “I plan to continue the legacy of putting a winning team on the field and producing great young men who will have a positive impact on society.”
He takes over an Eagles’ program coming off a 6-5 season in which they lost four games by eight or less points.
Chapin does return All-Region quarterback Brady Albro, who threw for over 2,600 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. He’ll be protected by an experienced offensive line with returning tackles Nathan Gilley and Caden Muskus, guards Evan Creel and Sam Hetlinger and center Mason Hetlinger,
The wide receiving corps also brings back last year’s receptions leader Khalen Bostick, Jonathon Sheppard, Anthony Turnbow, Gaffney transfer Sonny Furrey and tight end Cooper Canady.
Chapin looks to get a boost in the running game with the return of Cole Martin. He missed most of last season due to injury.
Look for the Eagles to play more “relentless” and aggressive on defense with Cal Sayger as coordinator. Max Miller, Nolan Mayer, Kristopher Carver, Caleb Davis, and Ethan Lorick make up the defensive line and leading tacklers Gavin Stam and Tanner Short return at linebacker.
The secondary adds Furrey at safety to go with cornerbacks Turnbow, Luke Becker and Giancarlo Pinelli.
The latest two-year realignment adds another District Five school Irmo to Region 4-5A. The Yellow Jackets, White Knoll and Chapin will compete in the newly created Division II.
“What we have here is a lot better than what people think and I think we are going to surprise a lot of people this year playing some of those teams in our region,” Albro said. “I think we’re going to do a lot of good things. We’re going to shock a lot of people.”
No word on the scheduled completion of the updated press box. The school is expected to hold the Aun and McKay Classic Aug. 16 at the stadium after it took place last year at Fairfield-Central.
Photos by Thomas Grant, Jr. – New Chapin head football coach Ryan Cole with the team.
CHAPIN FOOTBALL 2024 SCHEDULE
(All Games are 7:30 p.m.)
AUG. 23 – at Catawba Ridge
AUG. 30 – A.C. FLORA
SEPT. 6 – at Spring Valley
SEPT. 13 – NEWBERRY
SEPT. 20 – at Summerville
SEPT. 27 – BYE
OCT. 4 – DUTCH FORK
OCT. 11 – LEXINGTON
OCT. 18 – at River Bluff
OCT. 25 – at Irmo
NOV. 1 – WHITE KNOLL
