KING — With Jimmy Upchurch retiring after a one year return at West Stokes, Principal Dr. Sam Jones and Athletic Director Jason Sammons reached deep into their bag and came out with a gem. East Surry’s Trent Lowman resigned his head coach position at the school on Tuesday and accepted the offer to become the Wildcats’ fifth football coach.
“The community loves their school and athletic programs, and the leadership wants to see all sports at ‘West’ flourish and be the best,” said Lowman. “I’m excited to work with and for Dr. Jones and Coach Sammons, along with the entire faculty and staff.
“West has some very strong and experienced assistant coaches that I hope are on board to stay and continue to pour into our players and program. I hope to build those relationships as quick and thorough as possible and all move forward together.”
Lowman was 68-12 over his six years with East Surry winning the NCHSAA 1A State Championship in 2019. His teams won the 2018, 2019, and 2020/21 1A Western Regional Championship, and his team was the runner-up in 2A West Regional Championship game in 2021. In 2022, the Cardinals lost in the third round and last season in the second.
Along with the success of his teams came multiple coaching awards. He was the 2019 NFHS Southwest Sectional Coach of the Year (NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, TN, VA, KY) and the NFHS NC Coach of the Year. Lowman earned the 2019 MaxPreps 2A Football Coach of the Year, the 2019-20 Best of Preps “Extra Mile” Coach of the Year, and conference coach of the year in 2019, 2020/21, 2021 and 2022.
“Coach Lowman’s record and accomplishments speak to his ability to connect with young people and to lead a football program,” said Sammons. “We are very fortunate to have a strong coaching staff in place and we feel that Coach Lowman’s vision and skill set is a perfect fit for our football program.”
Lowman’s goals are simple, continue to build on what Coach Upchurch has built and to add his own touch. He wants to see West successful on the field, in the community, in the school building and to see the Wildcats’ graduates have success after high school in whatever avenue they take.
“East Surry was and is very special,” added Lowman. “Some of my greatest memories come from those six years and will forever fill my heart with joy and make me smile. There is much I’ll miss about East.”
Lowman’s first day at West Stokes is still up in the air but hopes to start either by the end of this week or next week.
Most Popular
Comments / 0