News Summary

The community of Fort Defiance says goodbye to Coach John Edgecomb after 22 years of remarkable service. Known as Coach E, he guided the high school girls’ tennis team, leading them to significant milestones and impacting countless players. As he prepares for retirement and open heart surgery, heartfelt tributes from players showcase the legacy of mentorship and life lessons he leaves behind. His dedication has shaped the futures of young athletes, creating a lasting bond that transcends the game.

Fort Defiance Says Goodbye to Coach John Edgecomb After 22 Remarkable Years

It’s a bittersweet moment for Fort Defiance as one of its beloved figures, Coach John Edgecomb, affectionately known as Coach E, hangs up his tennis racket after an impressive 22-year coaching career leading the high school girls tennis team. Coach E’s retirement marks the end of an era filled with memorable victories, heartfelt lessons, and a remarkable bond with his players.

Just last week, players showered Coach E with appreciation after their final home match, presenting him with an incredibly thoughtful gift bag. This wasn’t just any ordinary goodie bag; it was a treasure trove filled with pretzels, a funky grasshopper toy, and a pair of glasses. Each item was a nod to Coach E’s colorful coaching phrases that have become legendary among his players. The pretzels symbolize his quirky saying, “We’re going to crush them like a cheap pretzel.” The grasshopper represents the wisdom in Coach E’s teachings, reflecting his often playful reminder, “Ah, grasshopper,” when players would stumble. As for the glasses, they represent his lighthearted quip, “Even Helen Keller could see that,” signaling when a ball is clearly out.

This season holds special significance, as it marks the first time Coach E’s team has reached the state tournament. That being said, the journey has been tough. On June 3, they battled valiantly but ultimately succumbed to Central Woodstock in the regional championship, ending the match with a score of 5-2. However, the team isn’t done yet, as they gear up to face the Region 2A champion in the state quarterfinals. The scheduling could be tricky due to rain, but the team remains optimistic about moving forward.

As the excitement of the season continues, it’s overshadowed by Coach Edgecomb’s upcoming open heart surgery set for June 10. This health issue, involving a problematic aortic valve first discovered during his Army service, underscores the urgency of his retirement, as recent medical advancements finally made it possible to address it through surgery.

Showing just how deeply Coach E has touched the lives of his players, they collected heartfelt notes from past players to present to him, highlighting his incredible impact over the years. Senior Addyson Mooney shared how Coach E encouraged her to try tennis, a decision that ultimately led her to join the team, expressing her gratitude for his mentorship.

Taking the reins from previous coach Bev Coffman, who led the team to two state championships in the late ‘90s, Coach Edgecomb quickly carved a niche for himself, racking up an extraordinary 226 wins during his tenure. Reflecting on his journey, Coach E admits that the relationships he formed with his players are what he will cherish the most moving forward. The emotional toll of his final matches did not go unnoticed; Coach E found it difficult to hold back tears as he prepared for this final stretch.

Fort Defiance sophomore Camila Cruz voiced her determination to push through the rest of the season for Coach E, expressing strong hopes of making it to the semifinals next week. The team is rallying together, motivated by the legacy of a coach who has not only taught them the game of tennis but has instilled life lessons they’ll carry with them long after the matches end.

As the community of Fort Defiance prepares to say farewell to a cherished coach, it’s clear that Coach Edgecomb leaves behind a legacy that will resonate for years to come. With every match and every lesson, he has shaped the future of many young athletes, and his impact will surely be felt long after his final whistle blows.

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