Oak Ridge Today

Gaddis returns to Oak Ridge in 51-14 win over Clinton

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Jaylin Henderson and Clinton Defender

Oak Ridge quarterback Jaylin Henderson is pursued by Clinton Dragons linebacker Shane Hooks during a 51-14 victory for the Wildcats at Blankenship Field on Friday.

Oak Ridge Wildcats Coach Joe Gaddis returned to Blankenship Field on Friday with a 51-14 win over the Clinton Dragons.

The Wildcats, who started and stuck with senior Jaylin Henderson at quarterback this week after trying three quarterbacks last week, are now 1-1.

“I am definitely happy,” Gaddis said after the lopsided victory. “We’re going to do this a bunch more.” [Read more…]

Down at halftime, Wildcats rally but fall to Farragut 31-24

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge Wildcats Interception Tommy Kaczocha

An interception by junior defensive back Tommy Kaczocha, right, early in the third quarter helps set up Oak Ridge’s first touchdown.

FARRAGUT—Down three touchdowns at halftime, the Oak Ridge Wildcats rallied in the second half against Farragut on Friday, keeping the football game close but falling to the Admirals 31-24.

It was, in part, a test of the high expectations that had been set for returning Coach Joe Gaddis, who led the Wildcats to their last state championship in 1991 and returned to Oak Ridge in March after 15 years away.

Fans disheartened by the score at the end of the first half at Bill Clabo Field in Farragut were encouraged by the turnaround in the second. [Read more…]

Oak Ridge Wildcats open 2013 football season at Farragut tonight

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Coach Joe Gaddis at Wildcat Day

Wildcats Coach Joe Gaddis leads a pep rally last week, one week before the season opener against Farragut.

The Oak Ridge Wildcats open their 2013 football season at 7:30 p.m. today (Friday) at Farragut.

It’s the first game for returning Coach Joe Gaddis, who came back to Oak Ridge in March after 15 years away. Gaddis led Oak Ridge to its last state championship in 1991, and his 119-24 record here is the best in the school’s history.

Still, the Wildcats could have their work cut out for them tonight. During a pep rally last week, Gaddis said Oak Ridge has lost the last six of seven games to Farragut. But Oak Ridge also played the Admirals in last year’s season opener, and the Wildcats won 28-24. [Read more…]

First Wildcat Day for all sports draws players, fans, Coach Gaddis

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge High School Wildband at Wildcat Day

Members of the Oak Ridge High School Band play at the opening of a Wildcat Day pep rally at the Ben Martin field on Saturday.

Enthusiastic fans and players flocked to Oak Ridge High School on Saturday for a first-of-its-kind pep rally that incorporated all sports and featured a football coach that helped the Wildcats win their last state championship and is leading the team once more.

The pep rally was part of what had officially been proclaimed Wildcat Day by the Oak Ridge City Council. The rally featured short cheerleader routines, music by members of the Oak Ridge High School Band, short speeches from city and school officials, an introduction to the ORHS Wildcats football team and coaches, and fireworks. [Read more…]

Boys and Girls Club raffle features Coach Gaddis, $10,000 grand prize

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Joe Gaddis

Football coach Joe Gaddis will be the master of ceremonies at a July 27 reverse raffle for the Boys and Girls Club of Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy D. Ray Smith)

The Boys and Girls Club of Oak Ridge is holding a reverse raffle on Saturday, July 27, at Lincoln’s Sports Grille. The grand prize is $10,000.

The special guest master of ceremonies is Oak Ridge High School Football Coach Joe Gaddis.

“If anyone hasn’t had the opportunity to welcome Coach Gaddis back, this would be a great opportunity to do so,” said Ann Likens, chief volunteer officer of the Oak Ridge Unit Board. “This is always a fun event for the people that attend, and we think this year will be even more so. We really want the community to come out, have some fun, and support the Boys and Girls Club.” [Read more…]

No guarantees, but Gaddis plans to win every game

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Meet and Greet for Joe Gaddis

Several hundred people listen to Joe Gaddis during a Thursday evening reception for the returning Oak Ridge Wildcats football coach.

He can’t guarantee that the Oak Ridge Wildcats will win every game this fall, but returning football coach Joe Gaddis said he plans to.

Gaddis said he and his staff will revitalize fan support and increase the number of players. They will also rebuild confidence and excitement in the football program, Gaddis said during a Thursday evening reception at Oak Ridge High School Wildcat Arena.

We’re bringing it back, Gaddis told a few hundred people at the reception. Some of them wore T-shirts that said Gaddis’ Gang.

[Read more…]

Former football coach Joe Gaddis coming back to Oak Ridge

Posted at
By 6 Comments

Note: This story was last updated at 3:31 p.m.

Former Oak Ridge High School football coach Joe Gaddis is returning to Oak Ridge, school officials announced Monday.

Gaddis will be a teacher and head football coach at Oak Ridge High School. He will replace Scott Blade, who resigned to accept a position in Williamson County.

Gaddis has an overall 258-112 record in his 30 years as head coach. Almost half of those wins—or 119 of them—came while he served as head coach at Oak Ridge High School, where he coached from 1988 until 1998, an Oak Ridge Schools press release said.

[Read more…]