D-B Girls & Boys Soccer Coach Rutherford Steps Down
by STEVE WILMOTH
TriCitiesSports.com
October 31, 2018
KINGSPORT, Tenn. -- Saying the decision was best for him and his young family, Dobyns-Bennett head boys’ and girls’ soccer Blake Rutherford announced he he was stepping down from both positions effective next Friday.
Rutherford informed both teams of his decision in a meeting after school on Wednesday.
“That was the hardest part of about this,” said Rutherford in a phone interview just after the announcement. “It was very emotional for me personally to be in front of 50-60 outstanding young men and young women who have invested so much into the D-B soccer program.”
Rutherford is stepping away from both coaching and teaching in a career move that will benefit is family that includes his wife, Heather, and one-year-old daughter.
“There comes a time in life and a certain point in life when certain decisions have to be made,” said Rutherford. “I happen to be at that time and at that point.”
Rutherford has been on the Indian soccer staff since 2007, serving as an assistant to previous coaches Shane Calvert and Chris Woods. He was elevated to head coach of both teams in 2013.
Under Rutherford’s direction, the Lady Indians went 70-34-8 in six seasons (2013-18), won three Big 7 Conference championships, two District 1-AAA Tournament championships, two Region 1-AAA Tournament titles and advanced to the Class AAA State Tournament in 2013 and 2014.
The Indian boys were 84-18-6 in five seasons (2014-18) with District 1-AAA and Region 1-AAA Tournament championships in 2016 and earning a berth in the 2016 Class AAA State Tournament. Just this last season, the Indians were 19-1-2 with Conference District 1-AAA and Region 1-AAA titles and a trip to the state tournament.
"We are proud of the things that Coach Rutherford and his staff has accomplished during his tenure as an assistant coach and head coach at Dobyns-Bennett," said Athletic Director Larry Shively.
"Coach loved his student athletes and the game of soccer and it was evident. He coached with enthusiasm and passion every day. We are grateful for his leadership through the years."
Rutherford steps away still with passion for the beautiful game.
"Coach loved his student athletes and the game of soccer and it was evident. He coached with enthusiasm and passion every day. We are grateful for his leadership through the years."
Rutherford steps away still with passion for the beautiful game.
“I still have a love for the game of soccer,” added Rutherford. “I love the competition, the relationships with the kids and staff, and the times in rain delays and travel.”
Rutherford also insists he’s not retiring from coaching.
“My one-year-old is just now learning to walk, so who knows, maybe I’ll be coaching her in a few years,” Rutherford said.
As his new schedule allows, Rutherford plans on keeping tabs on soccer in the area, particularly his former sides.
“I’m not giving away any of my Dobyns-Bennett soccer attire, no need to ask about that, i’m keeping it all,” added Rutherford. “Roll Tribe forever and ever.”