A year after Tommy Harrison was married on the Stafford High School baseball field, he directed the Indians to the first state title in the sport in county history.
Those two events were the peak for Harrison during his memorable run with the Indians.
Harrison, who has lived in Richmond throughout his tenure, said this week that he’s stepped down after 14 seasons, which includes the Class 5 state championship in 2019.
“It was just time,” Harrison said of his resignation. “I’ve had a pretty good run. I drive an hour and 15 minutes one way and I’ve been doing that for 14 years. If I lived up that way we wouldn’t be having this discussion.”
Harrison will turn 50 on Sept. 30.
A former Minor League baseball player, Harrison spent six of his eight playing years in the Atlanta Braves organization.
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He and assistant coach Scott Coleman were side by side throughout his tenure at Stafford. Harrison said the expectation is that Coleman will resign, too.
Stafford athletic director Chris Dodd said the job opening is posted and the hope is to have a new coach in two weeks.
“It’s one of those things where we want to make sure the next head coach is the right fit for Stafford High School and will continue the tradition Tommy’s had for the last 10-plus years,” Dodd said. “I’m confident we’re going to hire someone that will fill that role, but by the same token create their own standards and priorities.”
Dodd said Harrison’s work ethic and attention to detail made him a special coach and beloved member of the school community.
Harrison has also been the golf coach for the past 12 years and is currently in the midst of his final season with that team. He plans to teach physical education through the end of his contract at the culmination of the school year.
“I didn’t want to do it the wrong way. I feel like I’ve been pretty professional and I wanted to make sure Stafford had time to fill my spot,” Harrison said. “I wish everybody the best. Hopefully the program continues to move forward. It’s in a good place.”
Harrison arrived at Stafford in 2008.
He helped lead the Indians to five district or conference titles in 2009, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2019. The Indians won regional titles in ‘09 and ‘19. He was honored as district or conference coach of the year four times and twice as regional coach of the year. He’s a three-time winner of Free Lance-Star coach of the year recognition.
The Indians defeated Mills Godwin 4-3 to claim the state crown, and he was named Class 5 state coach of the year that season.
“What gets any better than the first state title in county history?” Harrison said. “That’s a special group and I will never forget it.”
Dodd noted that the 2019 team hit just one home run but lost only one game that season. He said that’s indicative of the preciseness that Harrison encouraged from his team. Harrison said he may coach again eventually, but it’ll likely be closer to home.
“He lives, eats and breathes baseball,” Dodd said. “It’s his passion, and our kids bought into that passion.”