Thomas Francis Coughenour, aka Coach.

Born in Charlotte, NC to Catherine and Tom Coughenour, the family moved to Kingsport in 1946.

It was in his Freshman English class where he met the love of his life, Barbara Williams, whom he married in 1962.

A graduate of DBHS and ETSU, he began his teaching and coaching career at Robinson Junior High, coaching football, basketball, track and established the cross-country program there.

In 1973, he began teaching at Dobyns-Bennett coaching football defensive backs and was Assistant Track and Cross Country Coach where he found his passion.

After his friend and mentor Dan Crowe retired, Tom became head Track/CC Coach.

In addition to being named Tennessee State Cross Country Coach of the Year nine times and inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2001, his Track and Cross Country State and Regional team wins are numerous, including: 4 Boys’ State Cross Country Championships; 2 Girls’ State Cross Country Championships; 1 Girls’ State Track and Field Championship; 10 Runner-up State Track and Cross Country Championships.

He was recognized as one of the top high school track and field and cross country coaches in the nation. One of his former athletes stated,

“Through all of his accomplishments he remained a very humble person.  He took his greatest pride in the wide range of lives he has influenced.  While some coaches are most interested in the short-term goals of meet victories or state titles, Coach Coughenour worked hardest towards the long-term goals of helping his runners grow into successful and productive adults.”

It was his great devotion to the heart and soul of his athletes, his beloved family and community that established him as a legendary citizen, friend and Coach.