Pioneers have new football coach

Fort Chiswell…The Pioneers of Fort Chiswell looked from within their football coaching staff to pick a new coach.

The new coach is Josh Wingate. Wingate will be starting his seventh season at Fort Chiswell, but his first as the headman. He is from Grayson Co. and played football, basketball, and baseball at the Independence, Virginia high school. He played one year under now Grayson Co. head coach Brett McPherson.

He then was recruited and attended Emory & Henry College where he played both football and baseball. After graduating he went back to Grayson Co. and was an assistant for one season in basketball and baseball.

In 2012 Coach Wingate was hired to teach Physical Education at Fort Chiswell Middle School and became assistant football coach under then and now Pulaski Co. head football coach Stephen James. After James left he worked for Tom Hale and then now departed Todd Tiller.

Wingate has been an assistant for the middle school junior varsity head coach and assistant for Fort Chiswell. This will be his first year as head varsity coach. He has also been an assistant for the Pioneers basketball and baseball head coach Derrick Jackson.

When asked about being the named new headman, Coach Wingate remarked, “It’s been a whirlwind type thing. I will also be the offensive coordinator this season. I’ve been meeting with the rest of the coaching staff and David (Murdock- Doc) Meredith will be my defensive coordinator. Coach Whitlock, Coach Shrader, Coach Brown, Coach Dunford, Coach Hanks, Coach Lowe and Coach Poole will all be helping with varsity, junior varsity and the middle school teams.” Coach then said, ”The players have worked hard this off season and I’m honored to be named the new coach and we will hit the ground full speed ahead.” He added, ”I hate Coach Tiller left; he was great to me and I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I’m excited about the possibilities for this season. I’d like to thank Dyer Jackson and the administration of Fort Chiswell High school. We’re looking forward to the season.”

Fort Chiswell is scheduled to scrimmage J.I .Burton at Emory & Henry Friday, August 10.

Start a Conversation