Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 17, 1994 TAG: 9406210101
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By RAY COX STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Worrell, the Timesland coach of the year, submitted his last lineup card after 25 years at Carroll County. The other six years were spent at Cumberland and J.I. Burton. Worrell intends to keep teaching at the Hillsville school at least through next year.
The 55-year-old Worrell, who also coached the football team for five seasons during the 1980s, is the only coach in Carroll County's 25-year baseball history.
Worrell's announcement came on the heels of his team winning 18 games and its first Group AA Region IV championship. The Cavaliers were defeated by William Byrd in the state quarterfinals.
"It's a nice record to go out on," Worrell said. "But I would have quit if we'd gone 0-18. The decision has been made a long time."
Worrell said he wanted out for a number of reasons.
"I had a heart attack 10 years ago, and I was fortunate enough to be able to continue coaching. But from the start of the season until June, I don't have time to exercise like I should, and I want to be able to do that.
"Also, I have two grandchildren, and I don't want to miss any more time with them. I'll do some fishing and get my garden planted on time."
Worrell has been working his way into the insurance business, which eventually will supplant his work as a teacher.
"That's what all coaches get into after they retire, I reckon,'' he said.
A successor has not been named. Among the potential candidates are Worrell's assistants, Robin Whittington, Greg Nelson and Ricky Nester.
Worrell leaves a legacy that will be difficult to match.
He has a 356-204 record, 312-180 at Carroll County. The victories place him fourth on the list of active state coaches behind Liberty's Jim Cutler, J.J. Kelly's Mack Shupe and Essex's Henry Ashton.
Carroll has made 14 regional appearances and won eight regular season New River District titles and seven tournament championships. He's been the district coach of the year 10 times.
Of the alumni of his program, 37 are known to have played in college, and one played pro ball. Twenty-four have gone on to be high school coaches, including George Wythe 's Joe Gardner, Blacksburg's Jim Shockley and Auburn's Dennis Green.
by CNB