Chris Chambless arrived at West Point 24 years ago with little fanfare.
He leaves as one of the most successful coaches in Mississippi history.
There is a saying that goes, “it’s not how you start, but how you finish” and it applies to Chambless as well as anyone.
In 1998, Chambless began his career as a head coach at Caledonia High School. It turned out to be a less than memorable debut. Caledonia finished 2-9 that season and Chambless left to work as an assistant coach at West Point the following year.
There was nothing to suggest what would follow.
It turned out to be the only losing season in his head coaching career. After coaching under Dennis Allen for six years, Chambless took over as head coach in 2006.
By that time, the Green Wave had established itself as a contender, with state championships in 1982, 1987, 1988, 1980 and 2005. Chambless was the defensive coordinator on that 2005 state title team. Over the next 18 years, Chambless led the Green Waves to another seven state championships. The last came on Nov. 30, when the Green Wave beat Laurel 35-7 for the 5A championship. The win was his 206th against just 45 losses, a record made even more impressive by the fact that many of those losses came against bigger schools, matchups that West Point never shied away from.
Despite all the numbers that can be associated with Chambless’ career, they are merely the end products of the qualities that those familiar with the coach will always remember.
Chambless’ tenure with the Green Wave will be remembered for the discipline, toughness, careful attention to details, fundamental soundness and poise that were the hallmarks of Green Wave football and a reflection of the character traits of the man who led the program. Those personal qualities were translated to the team, which is often the case with great leaders and teachers.
For West Point and Clay County, the Green Wave has been a consistent source of pride for a community that has endured plenty of adversity. West Point has benefited from an entire community rallying around a team, celebrating its success and commiserating in its setbacks, of which there were relatively few.
Chambless leaves with an unparalleled record, but his impact on the players under his watch in West Point for almost a quarter-century is the greater achievement.
We congratulate Coach Chambless on his success and wish him well in his well-deserved retirement.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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