A Bearden player’s hat and glove rests on a bench during a TSSAA District 4-AAA matchup at Phil Garner Ballpark in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (Photo by Danny Parker)
By JESSE SMITHEY
For the last nine seasons, the Bearden baseball program operated under the capable watch of head coach John Rice.
But the longtime coach stepped away from his post on Aug. 1, creating a marquee opening in one of, if not, the toughest baseball districts in the state: the new District 4-AAAA for the 2022 season.
The league houses 10-time state champion Farragut, 2015 state champion Hardin Valley and perennially tough programs like Maryville, William Blount and Heritage.
Dave Prichard, a longtime coach in the Crossville area, and his wife weren’t out searching for a change had been keeping an eye peeled for an opportunity like this. Prichard threw his hat into the ring when he learned of the vacancy and, well, got the job.
5Star Preps caught up with the former McMinn County High and Tusculum College grad who has spent the last 15 seasons as head coach at Cumberland County High School. He has served as a pastor in Crossville the past seven years, as well.
Get to know the new Bearden baseball coach in this Q&A …
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