Brad Laxton, left, has been named to succeed Jim Higgins, right, as the head wrestling coach at Soddy Daisy High School. Assistant coach Ashley Brooks is in the middle.
photo by Dennis Norwood/File Photo
Brad Laxton was the head wrestling coach at East Ridge for three years before taking a job as an assistant at Soddy Daisy five years ago.
And now the 42-year-old bundle of energy and enthusiasm has been named head coach for the Trojans after Jim Higgins recently stepped down.
Soddy Daisy principal Steve Henry made the announcement Friday morning. It was Henry that Higgins replaced in 2012.
“I’ve known Jim for a long time, ever since he was a little kid, and I appreciate the job he’s done with our program,” Henry said via a telephone conversation.
“He’s been thinking about this decision for a while as I'm sure he didn't want to let me down. I wasn’t sure that Brad wanted the job at first as it was a big decision for him, but he’ll do a great job here and he’ll bring some new energy to our team. He did an outstanding job at East Ridge and I expect nothing less here at Soddy Daisy,” Henry added.
Higgins is a 1998 Soddy Daisy graduate who was an undefeated state wrestling champion his senior year. He was also a big-time baseball player in the day and the Soddy Daisy field is now named for his late father Tom Higgins.
The job title may be changing, but the younger Higgins will still be actively involved on the Soddy Daisy campus.
“I have two young sons who will be coming through the program in a few years, so I’m still going to be involved,” Higgins said while taking a break from his schedule Friday morning.
“There are some personal reasons for this decision as I’d one day like to coach baseball. But I’m proud of Brad and really happy that he’s been promoted to the head coaching position.
“Brad has an extensive knowledge of the sport and he loves it as much as anyone. He has my full endorsement as our next head coach. My goal when I first started my teaching and coaching career was to change lives and to make a positive impact on young athletes.
“I’ve been around this wrestling program for 30 years and it’s really special to me, but baseball is my first love. We never won a state title in wrestling with me as the head coach, but we finished second several times and I'm proud of that. The stars have to align themselves a certain way for that to happen, but I love Soddy Daisy High School and I plan to stay involved in as many activities as I can,” Higgins added.
Jared Hensley is currently the Soddy Daisy baseball coach and athletic director. He was promoted to assistant principal back in December. Changes may be forthcoming along those lines, but that's another story for another day.
Right now, he just wants to stay focused on the current season.
“I’ve been wearing a lot of hats around here lately, but I’ve very appreciative of what Jim Higgins has done with our wrestling program these past six years. Not only for Soddy Daisy and our community, but across the state as well.
"A lot of improvements have been made under Jim's leadership and the facilities are in better shape than they've ever been. Expectations have always been high and he’s done a great job of maintaining them.
“Coach Laxton will make a nice transition as the head coach. He’s been there and last lots of experience. He also knows a lot of folks in our community. I’m sure that he will continue to build on the legacy of what Steve Henry started and that we’ll continue experiencing much success in the sport,” Hensley concluded.
Laxton has also been head coach for Loftis Middle School in addition to his responsibilities as a Soddy Daisy assistant. Now he’ll have to find someone to take that other job.
“It’s time to get to work. I have no magic wands to offer, but it’s a good time here as good things are happening at Soddy Daisy High School,” he offered.
“I’m really excited and honored to be offered this job. I wanted to be at Soddy Daisy long before I got here six years ago, but I’m just stepping into a good situation where the machine is already clicking. There’s so much support from the administration and the community that it’s almost overwhelming.
“Again, it’s really an honor to be offered this job and I just hope to do it justice in the coming years,” he concluded.
(Email John Hunt at nomarathonmoose@gmail.com)