A local high school is saying good-bye to the winningest head football coach in its history. Clay Wiggins is retiring after spending the last five years at Salem and serving as the head coach for four years.
Wiggins spent the first two years of his 37-year career with the Greyhounds before going to Highland, his alma mater, for the next 30. Wiggins says he is proud of the players and coaches he was able to work with throughout his time on the sidelines.
Listen:
Wiggins had a record of 31-16 with eight playoff wins as Salem’s head coach and two trips to the state semifinals. One of his final four appearances was in 2019 as the Greyhounds went 10-2, won their second straight 2A-3 championship by going unbeaten in the league and ended up as one of the best teams in Class 2A. Wiggins says it was a good way to end his coaching career.
Listen:
Salem’s next head coach will be coming from within the system, with the promotion of assistant coach Josh Watson. Watson has spent the last four years as the special teams coordinator and the coach of the offensive and defensive lines. Watson had worked at Salem previously for three years and later returned after spending one year in Hoover, Alabama.
Watson says one advantage he’ll have in his new position is the familiarity he has with players still on the roster.
Listen:
In addition to the new job, Watson will have another challenge ahead of him. The Greyhounds are set to move up to Class 3A this fall, and the new head coach says competing in the 3A-2 conference will not be easy.
Listen:
Wiggins’ last official day at Salem High School will be June 30.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI