Chapin’s Rodgers rewarded prestigious award

A fuzzy, green ball speeds over the net leaving the player frozen.  Stunned, the player looks for some way to combat his oppenent and the more menacing figure standing off court.  He will be defeated.  But this tennis ace is no match for Chapin’s talent, Chapin’s spirit, and Chapin’s coaching.

The United States Tennis Association recently named Coach John Rodgers South Carolina Chapter Coach of the Year in recognition for outstanding committment to helping high school students become better students.  The award is given to the most outstanding tennis coach in South Carolina at the college and high school level.  He is certainly deserving of the award.

Current standouts Kyle Koch and Savannah Fuller have been excellent on the court as the Eagle aces. Senior Koch won the singles state championship in 2009.

Coach Rodgers has built an impressive legacy in 22 years at Chapin. Originally brought in to be the new Boys Basketball coach in 1978, Rodgers was also assigned Boys tennis. He became the girls varsity coach in 1997. He held all three titles until his basketball coaching retirement in 2003. Despite his lack of a  team state championship, Rodgers has been consistent season after season at producing great players. Koch, Fuller, and the Horton brothers Thomas and William, have all benefitted from Coach Rogers wisdom and experience.

Rogers saud, “I’ve been proud of the success my teams have had through the years.”

This award will help cement Rodgers as one of the best coaches to ever come through Chapin.

Coach Rodgers has also built a reputation in the classroom as well. His PE 2 classes are a well-known Chapin tradition, and many believe that PE 2 with Coach should be mandatory for graduation.

 “Many have come through his classes, legends of our school, and I am glad to have been a part of it,” said senior Adam Commalander.

Whether it is winning a prestigious award for dominance on the court with master strategies or earning the respect of students in PE 2, Coach Rodgers will always be known as a legend at Chapin High School.  His quest for his first team AAA state championship will begin in March.