A basketball coach with years of coaching and teaching experience recently joined the team at T. A. Dugger Junior High School.

“I am pleased to announce that Mr. Cory Smith will be our new Boys’ Basketball coach at T.A. Dugger as well as a valuable member of our faculty,” said T.A. Dugger Principal Randy Little.  “His experiences as a teacher, principal, and coach certainly make him a valuable asset to our school and system.  I have had many discussions with Cory and am excited about how he will work with our faculty, students, athletes, and community.”

Smith has worked with the Cocke County School System for years in numerous capacities – most recently as Principal of Del Rio Elementary. In that time, he said his teams have had winning records and competed in Sub-State, and many players have gone on to play college ball.

He hopes to see his junior high school students make the same seamless transition into high school basketball.

“I want to make my expectations clear and for my kids to be successful on and off the court,” he said. “I want these players to have a smooth transition into high school – if they want to play on the high school level – with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful.”

After talking with former Head Coach Barry Johnson, Smith feels confident the students he will be coaching are a talented group, and his hopes are high.

“We just want to build on previous successes,” he said. “I’m really anxious to get started.”

In addition to his experience as a high school assistant coach and elementary principal, Smith also taught special education, math, and science in elementary and junior high schools. At T.A. Dugger, he will continue to teach special education.

Smith will fill the shoes of former head coach Johnson and will be accompanied by Assistant Coach BJ Miller. Principal Little said another assistant coaching position is open and will be filled under Smith’s leadership.