FARRAGUT, Tenn. — Farragut surprised legendary football coach Eddie Courtney with a street named in his honor on Wednesday morning.
The town renamed a street leading up to the school, "Eddie Courtney Ln." and declared July 10 "Eddie Courtney Day" in Farragut.
Courtney said it was an honor to be recognized in that way but he never did the job for any personal recognition.
"It is something that I've never looked at, because I felt like if I did things the right way and tried to be a positive impact and tried to continue to grow and help people, that's enough of a reward for what it is," Courtney said.
He coached at Farragut since 1977 and was the head coach of the Admirals for 28 years, leading the team to its first-ever state championship in 2016. Courtney said the thing he likes the most is seeing former players stop by.
They'll stop, blow the horn, introduce me to their family or whatever," he said. "Just knowing you had a little part of that they truly recognized what you were trying to do for them, that means more than anything."
Courtney announced his retirement in March but is still helping out around the school, and spends most of his time helping maintain the football fields and facilities. He said turning onto a street named after him might take some time to get used to.
"That will be a shock," Courtney said. "[I have] crossed that road I don't know how many times in 40-something years, every day, sometimes multiple times a day, three or four times a day, going home and coming back. They didn't have to do it, but it is special."
Courtney finished his head coaching career with 204 wins at Farragut. His son, Geoff Courtney, has taken over as head coach after previously serving as the offensive coordinator for the football team.