VHS Head Coach Rodney Garvin Announces Retirement

Courtesy of VHS

Vidalia High School Head Football Coach Rodney Garvin announced his retirement Monday morning, stepping down after three years in the position. Garvin, who has been coaching for 31 years, said in a statement, “It is time.”

Garvin, who served on the Vidalia staff as defensive coordinator under Lee Chomskis for eight years before leaving to become the head coach in Metter, where he compiled a record of 52-12, winning four region titles and reaching the semifinals twice in his four years.

Vidalia Athletic Director Tommy Dalley announced, 'Today, we announce the retirement of our head football coach, Rodney Garvin. Coach Garvin has been more than a coach to our players, staff, and community—he has been a mentor, a role model, and a man of tremendous character.”

Dalley went on to say that during his three years leading the Vidalia football program, “Coach Garvin has built young men of integrity, discipline, and heart. His impact reaches far beyond the field, shaping the lives of countless students and leaving a legacy that will be felt for generations.”

“We are deeply grateful for his years of service, leadership, and dedication to Vidalia and our community. We wish Coach Garvin and his family all the best as he begins this well-earned next chapter of his life.”

Dalley stated that the search for a new head coach will “begin as soon as possible.” continued from page

Coach Garvin’s Resignation Statement

I will be retiring from the Vidalia City School system at the end of this school year.

Dr. Reid, our school Superintendent, Mr. Ellis Strobridge, our high school principal, and Coach Tommy Dalley, our high school athletic director, have been nothing but completely supportive of me and our program during our tenure here. I have their full support, but this decision was made by me alone. It is time! I have nothing but love for Vidalia! We had more wins off the field than on it, and that may be the most important thing to me right now.

I am so grateful and forever thankful to Dr. Wilcox and the board of education for allowing me the opportunity to lead this program three years ago. Dr. Reid and the current board have been nothing but positive.

The students who competed for us during my three years as head coach will always be special to me and my family. Thank you for working in the heat and rain and in the weight room daily. It's a grind, but it's worth it! I want to thank the coaches who gave of their time and energy to try to carry on the Vidalia tradition.

From the cheerleaders, the band, the sideline crew, the radio, and everyone involved in making Friday nights possible, thank you. Teachers, staff, and all school employees, thank you for giving these kids daily.

I want to thank my wife, kids, son-in-law, daughterin- law, and grandson for the love and support that is unmatched and unconditional. I could never have done this at the beginning 31 years ago without my wife, Kim! The Lord has been good to me! God bless!