Last week’s Hall of Fame celebration wasn’t the first for Edd Cantrell Sr. Already a member of the Grundy County and White County Hall of Fames, Cantrell was enshrined for the third time for an illustrious coaching career.
Just because it was his third time, it didn’t mean it was any less special. Cantrell shared his thoughts with the Southern Standard about being inducted after leading the WCHS football team to a 22-11 record in three years (1974-76) before going 19-4, with an 18-game winning streak, at WCMS from 1977-79.
Recalling his time in Warren County
I consider it pure joy when looking back at the opportunities I had as a coach, teacher and the vice principal as well as principal at Warren County High School. I consider it an honor to be recognized for a job I enjoyed.
The community, faculty and student body made WCHS a great place to be. I had the privilege to serve as a teacher, guidance counselor, vice principal, assistant basketball coach and head football coach.
There were outstanding young people on all the teams. Warren County embraced my fmialy as well as me by allowing my children to be part of practice, games and homecoming events. This type of community has a lasting effect on an individual, especially children.
As I look back at my days at WCHS, I am filled with joy and a lasting impression it made on me and my family. Still today, I tell stories of events that occurred in my 25 years at WCHS and I tell them with a smile every time.
Building a love for football
I was blessed to be raised by a Godly father and mother and I was one of 10 children. I can see how the Lord had his hand on allowing me to play for White County High School with coach being a former University of Tennessee football player under General (Robert) Neyland. His connection and the success of the team led me to be the first person in my family to go and graduate from college at UT.
I still remember there were 30-35 ends battling for two positions. Boy, I was lost in the shuffle. With hard work and sticking with it, I got the opportunity to play on the varsity and letter as a freshman. It’s a fact – you are always one play away from being a starter because the person ahead of you may get hurt. Always prepare to be the starter.
God allowed me to letter and play four years and also get an education.
Enduring thoughts from coaching
The measure of a person is what they contritubed to a TEAM. Sports is more about people working together to achieve a common goal. There were wins and losses, but the greatest thing was to play a game we love.
When we individualize sports, the team concept suffers as well as the end result. Today’s society plays the blame game when the team loses. You win as a team and lose as a team. Be thankful for the win and allow it to bond the team, influence the community and build momentum into the next game.
Losing is something to learn from, not a label. No one likes to lose, but there is many things to learn from losing. Consider the effort of the team and build on the positives.
Lasting legacy
If influence could be defines, I would want and hhope my tenure was an encouragement to all students, parents and community. Work hard, enjoy life and make the most of each day.
When it comes to coaching, it’s not just about talent; It is about heart and effort. I always tried to find the others team’s weaknesses and prepare our team twice as hard and twice as long. We always thought we could win. I tried to correct the team’s mistakes in a positive way, reinforcing the positive things we did and not tearing them down causing them to lose confidence.
Coming Wednesday: Story on Hall of Fame inductee Pedro Paz.
