Last week I was invited to visit the new Tyner High School. In my previous life I was invited to many high schools in Tennessee and North Georgia through athletics. So, I think I have a good idea of how schools look. I can say that nothing I have seen could compare with the new construction at Tyner High. The place is top of the line. Nothing better in Hamilton County or East Tennessee, in my opinion.
I was fortunate to have spent 16 years at the old Tyner and was part of a wonderful school. The new place will be a factor to help Tyner be one of the top schools in our area. There were a couple of hundred people there for the visit. All of them were elated and awed to see the new structure.
I spoke with the Tyner basketball coach, E.J. Ward, about the prospects of the new gym, which is one of the first things you see when you walk in the building. He was elated and is ready to return the team back to the TSSAA playoffs. There is lots of excitement at Tyner. I spoke to several "old " Tyner athletes - Ivy Strickland, Kenny Cooke, Craig Miller and Sabrina Nunn. Each one was a state qualifier in track, basketball or football, as well as being excellent students. Each one was excited for the New Tyner. They told me, "Ya'll get ready for the Rams."
I am happy for the new Tyner but saddened by the destruction of the old gym, not the cracker box but our new gym and the football stadium and track. It makes me think of several people that had so much to do with Tyner. I hope I don't leave anyone out....Harry Phillips, Ken Sadler, Bob Brown, Bob Evans, Don McDade, Bill McKaig, Stan Kuhne and Benny Eaves. If I forgot you call me and tell me. Thanks for the memories.
Ernie McCarson
Ooltewah