New era dawns for Tecumseh football

There’s a new man at the top for Tecumseh football, but longtime Arrows assistant Chris Cory just wants to build on the tradition Kent Massie started.

“We’ve been one of the teams in the area that has been pretty consistent and had a winning tradition,” Cory said. “I’m excited about getting back on track.”

Massie has resigned after 11 years as head coach because of health issues. He compiled a record of 72-48 and led the Arrows to their most prosperous era with three Central Buckeye Conference championships and seven playoff appearances. He took a leave of absence after four games this past season and did not return. He will continue to teach at the high school.

“It’s a health issue that started with stress,” Massie said. “I needed to get it taken care of. And I’ve got two young boys (ages 7 and 4), and I want to spend time with them. I want to be their dad.”

Massie spent 24 years on the Arrows’ staff. Cory has been on the staff for 20 years, the past 11 as offensive coordinator. They’ve known each other since their high school days at Shawnee. The Arrows were 4-6 and 1-4 CBC this season. Cory coached the team the final six games.

“I know that the football program’s in great hands,” Massie said. “He’ll do a great job being the head coach, he’ll get the most out of the kids and he’ll build great relationships with people like he already has.”

The Arrows are 3-12 the past three seasons in Kenton Trail Division play, and the wing-T offense is gone for good. Cory is going back to a version of the spread the Arrows ran two years ago. But it won’t be as pass-heavy.

“We’re still going to be Tecumseh,” he said. “We’re still going to run the ball, play solid defense and great special teams. We want to be a running team that’s able to throw.”

Cory said most of the coaching staff will return. He will share offensive coordinator and play-calling duties with third-year assistant Brian Ringholz, a former backup quarterback at Wittenberg. Cory is happy about the staff and about what he says will be the hard-nosed players Tecumseh is known for.

“I’ve had opportunities to go other places, but this is the place I want to be,” Cory said. “I know that our kids are going to work hard. They won’t be intimidated or back down from any challenge.”

Massie enjoyed those things and more during the past 11 years that he said was a fun ride. He said the success had everything to do with a supportive administration, dedicated assistant coaches, committed players and supportive parents and community members.

“Having those four things, to me, is a big reason for the success that we had as a football program while I was the head coach here,” Massie said.

He will miss the close relationships he forged with players and his staff of coaches.

“High school football is more about building relationships and getting the most out of young people,” he said. “Wins and losses aren’t going to define who you are. I’ll miss the relationships, and that to me is the most important part of coaching.”

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