OAKWOOD, Ga. — After 35 years of teaching and coaching, Johnson boys basketball coach Chris Guthrie has decided to hang up his whistle for good.
Guthrie announced his retirement Friday afternoon, saying he's been blessed to have been able to coach and teach for more than three decades.
“I have been blessed to be able to teach and coach at Johnson High School for the past three years," Guthrie said. "Our students, teachers and administration are the best around. Our players have worked hard and given of themselves in the pursuit of team unity and success."
Johnson athletic director Tony Wagner said the school is indebted and grateful for all the work and sacrifice Guthrie has given to the school.
"He has been a great leader of our boys basketball program, an assistant coach for football, been the announcer at numerous events and athletic contests, and a great teacher in the classroom," Wagner said. "He exemplifies our Knights Creed and helped young people see their potential and believe in themselves. He is a true man of character and integrity who did everything the right way all the time. We wish him and his family the best and thank them for their time.”
The Knights struggled last season with injuries, going 1-24 overall and 0-14 in the region. Prior to taking the job at Johnson, Guthrie was boys head coach at Lumpkin County where he spent most of his career teaching and coaching.
On Friday, Guthrie reminisced a bit, talking about the students and players he's been able to help over the years.
“I have been touched by so many lives over these 35 years,” Guthrie continued. “There is nothing better than walking down the cereal aisle at Kroger and having a former student or player walk up and say, “Coach Guthrie! Do you remember me?”
He also thanked Johnson principal Jonathan Edward and Wagner for having the confidence in him to coach and teach at Johnson.
"Principal Jonathan Edwards and athletic director Tony Wagner know how to support teachers and coaches and I am thankful for the opportunity they gave me to teach and coach at Johnson," he said. "This was my 35th year in education and coaching. Each one has been a little different and very rewarding. I will be spending my time at the church I attend, Riverbend Church, on the north side of Gainesville.”
Wagner said the search for a new boys head coach will begin immediately.
