| Success can be credited to Oakland basketball coaches |
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By: JEFF JORDAN, Post Sports
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Posted: Sunday, February 5, 2012 5:20 am
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Over the years Oakland High School has been very lucky with its selections of basketball coaches.
Let’s look at the five girl’s coaches who were honored this past Friday night at Oakland. The very fact that the Lady Patriots have had only five in 40 years is a miracle in itself.
Ben Cates, the former and highly successful Kittrell player and coach, was Oakland’s first mentor. Under his guidance, more success followed over the next 14 seasons with both district and region honors and a sub-state appearance.
When girl’s basketball went to 5-on-5 in 1980, Cates and Oakland didn’t miss a beat. A district tournament championship followed in 1982.
Cates taught both in the classroom and also physical education and drivers education until his retirement. He didn’t really retire as he continues to run two farms and also helps communities, youngsters, and adults as well as Rutherford County recreation director, a position he has held for nearly 40 years.
Cates’ long time assistant, Ronnie Eakes followed him as coach. I know Eakes better as an umpire, official, golfing buddy and also as one of the funniest people I know.
The former Rockvale Middle School teacher and coach came to Oakland in the Patriots’ first year and remained as an assistant coach, head coach and English teacher for more than 35 years. When he finished his amazing teaching career, Eakes had served longer at Oakland than any other employee.
George Hockenberry, one of the most successful coaches in the midstate at Cascade, Tullahoma, Oakland, Central Middle and Blackman High, followed Eakes as coach.
Highlights included district and region honors, numerous middle school championships at Central and also a sub-state appearance at Oakland.
Hockenberry, a man who clearly loves young people and has a big heart, had a knack for getting the most out of players.
After a number of years as a La Vergne High School assistant principal, he continues working in the Rutherford County school system in the attendance department.
Missy Blizzard served one year as Oakland’s coach when Jennifer Grandstaff went to MTSU. Off hand, I can’t think of a teacher who has done more to help more youngsters over the years than Blizzard.
She has done this as guidance counselor at Holloway High School and Oakland and by setting an example for others to follow.
She continues to give her best to Oakland students each day, and she also serves as an excellent assistant basketball coach, a position she has held for nearly two decades.
Grandstaff is the present and longtime coach at Oakland.
Grandstaff is recognized as one of the finest coaches in the state.
The former Moore County coach has taken Oakland to state tournaments and finished as runner up once.
She is one of the finest motivators I have ever seen (or heard) and can really challenge a player to give more than they thought they could. Players usually respond. For instance, last year the team won 18 games, and this year’s team has won more than 20.
I don’t think there is any question Oakland has been fortunate. |
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