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On this date in area sports history …
Five years ago on this date, Jan. 19, 2004, the News-Sun published a story about the new football coach at Tecumseh, Kent Massie. This past fall, Massie led the Arrows to a 10-0 season. Complete story on the jump.
Published: Jan. 19, 2004
Massie to lead Arrows
New head football coach was longtime assistant to DeLong
By LUCAS SULLIVAN, News-Sun Sports Writer
Tecumseh offensive coordinator Kent Massie was named the school’s head football coach on Tuesday, a little over a month after long-time coach Bob DeLong resigned for personal reasons.
School board members approved Massie’s hiring at their bi-weekly meeting, tapping the 13-year Arrows assistant to become the team’s coach.
“I have been given a great opportunity,” said Massie, a Shawnee graduate. “I am loyal to this football program, and this is the only head football coaching job I wanted. It was the only one I would have accepted.”
Massie, 35, spent 10 seasons as offensive coordinator under DeLong who was head coach for 13 seasons. Under DeLong and Massie, the Arrows held a record of 85-49. Both were a part of the school’s first playoff berth in 1998 and again in 2001.
DeLong cited family as a major reason for stepping down. He said he wanted to reset his priorities at home and football was taking away from that. He handed his resignation to athletics director Craig Eier on Nov. 12 at the team’s annual football banquet. Both Eier and DeLong said the news came as a shock to those involved with the football program.
“I talked it over with my family before taking the job,” Massie said. “It does take a lot of time away from that, but it’s all about prioritizing. You do the things you should do and stay away from things you shouldn’t do.”
Eier was not available for comment Saturday.
After learning of his hire, Massie said he addressed members of the football team during Wednesday’s weightlifting session to comfort any fears that may have developed since DeLong’s resignation.
“We have a good platform of coaches and players here,” Massie said. “We were kind of limbo there for a month. But the kids are tough and they are very coachable. That’s the main reason why I took this job.”
Massie, a special education teacher at Tecumseh, said his No. 1 priority is establishing a coaching and support staff. He added that the majority of personnel under DeLong would stay onboard through at least the 2005 season.
His ability to run the offense under DeLong and his prior collegiate experience as a three-year starter at tight end for Capital were the main reasons for his hire, Massie said. Before attending Capital he was a tight end at Shawnee High School.
“After graduating from Capital, I was going to stay in Columbus or go back home,” he said. “As it turned out, I came back here and have loved every part of it.
“Football is a big part of the community here at Tecumseh. The people love it and are great to work with. It’s always been an honor to represent this team. I guess it is a little overwhelming that I am in charge of it now.”
Tecumseh went 3-7 in 2004. It was the team’s first losing season since 1992.
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