Wednesday afternoon, Jack Lewis interviewed coach Tom “Chalk” Stapleton on his many accomplishments that received him a Proclamation from Middlesboro Mayor Rick Nelson. Coach Stapleton was born and raised right here in Middlesboro and went through the school system.

He tried to play all the sports but according to him, he played at least three or four. He played baseball two years, ran track three years, and played basketball and football all four years.

During the interview, he discussed his college career, meeting his wife and having his children then his grandchildren.

He also discussed his many years of coaching and the many accomplishments that his team received under his supervision.

Coach Stapleton led the Yellow Jackets to an outstanding record of 94 wins, 40 losses, and two ties. In 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974 and 1975, he was named Southeastern Kentucky Conference “Coach of the Year.” In 1974 and 1975, he was the State AA “Coach of the Year,” and those years his teams were state runners-up.

In 1974, he was Kentucky High School Coaches Association State “Overall Coach of the Year.” In 1975, he was coach of the East Team for the East-West All Star Game. Coach Stapleton’s teams also won six SEKC Conference Championships.

Friday at 6 p.m. there will be an unveiling of a sign proclaiming an area of Lothbury Avenue and 15th Street as “Coach Chalk Stapleton Way.”