CHS softball legend passes the torch

Josh Mattingly, Charger Staff

For the last twenty-three years, Cookeville High School’s Lady Cavs softball team has had twenty-three winning seasons, sixteen seasons in which the team has won twenty games or more, and since 1991, has brought home a minimum of twenty-one victories per year.  This is due to the will and determination of the Lady Cavs team members and the outstanding leadership provided by head coach Verdice Duff.

This year, however, Coach Duff has decided to call it quits after twenty-three successful seasons and a plethora of notable achievements, including being named District 7-AAA Coach of the Year more times than he can remember.

This came as a shock to everyone involved with the Lady Cavs softball program.

Coach Duff resigned in midseason because he was no longer physically able to continue his already exceptional coaching career at CHS. This was due to complications with Duff’s Multiple Sclerosis which he was diagnosed with two years ago.

“This MS is hard to live with but it’s not life threatening,” said Duff, “…it’s affected my right leg and my balance. I’m good for about fifty steps when I walk and then I just melt like butter.”

Although Duff’s career as the head coach of the Lady Cavs softball team has ended, his legacy will carry on. The impact that he has had on the lives of the people around him extends well beyond the softball field.

“ The best experience about coaching is working with young people. I don’t just try to make it about sports; I try to teach them about life,” Duff explained.

There is no better evidence of this than in the words of former and current players, students and friends of Coach Duff. One of Coach Duff’s special education students sent him a card upon receiving news of Duff’s retirement.
It appears below.

Dear Verdice,
I am Janet Coomer as Hot Rod that you used to call me do you realize that I have been out of school nearly 23 years and that I am forty-five years old and nearly forty-six years old. I’m making pot holders and doing well. I saw your report in the paper so here comes a card your way to make your day. Tell Kathy Matthew and Kim that I said hi I’m so happy that they are making the honor roll I will be thinking of you all.

This card came from a student who was influenced by Coach Duff nearly twenty-three years ago, and still has not forgotten the impact that he has had on her life.

Amanda “Whittaker” Muncy, who played for Coach Duff from 1995-1998, wrote him a letter when she heard about his retirement:

I am very sorry about you having to quit the game you loved and dedicated yourself to… You taught me discipline that I have carried with me into my adulthood. You taught me how to enjoy winning and how to lose gracefully… You touched my life and I will never forget the three years that were truly my learning years…I wish all future softball players could have a coach that is not in it for himself but for the players he coaches. Thank you for everything Coach Duff. I hope your life is filled with all the joy and happiness you shared with so many.

These words truly describe the kind of man that Coach Duff is. He is a selfless, giving, and caring man who is completely dedicated to his players and the people whom he has had an opportunity to influence.

When Erin Currier’s grandfather died, her family sent Coach Duff a card thanking him for his kindness in their trying times.

In the card, Erin wrote this message to her coach.

Coach Duff,
I just wanted to let you know that you hold a special place in my heart. I’m very sad to see you leave, but I know it’s for the best! I appreciate all you have done for me as a friend and as a coach. Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
Erin C. #16

The letters, cards, and memos that Coach Duff has received in recent weeks are too numerous to mention in this publication. The impact he has had , however, is obvious.

Coach Duff’s position will be filled by his assistant coach, Sam Brooks, who plans to “maintain the tradition of the program.”

Coach Brooks feels that with the help of Coach Duff, he will lead the team down the same path as his predecessor.

“Coach Duff has been many things to me in my life,” said Brooks.

“A coach, a father figure, a disciplinarian, an enforcer, a rock during tough times, but most of all, a friend”

It is unfortunate that this great man is no longer able to continue to coach softball.

He will, however, continue to impact the lives of everyone he meets. No one can talk to Coach Duff without taking away some kind of valuable principle, no matter how short the encounter. While his coaching career may be over, his legacy will persevere.