At the conclusion of the 2010 Midway High School football season, an announcement was made that stunned the South of the River community. After 11 seasons as head coach for the Green Waves, Craig Moser resigned. Without question one of the most successful coaches at Midway, Coach Moser not only helped rebuild the Midway Football program but also helped to change the perception of the area South of the River. During his tenure as Midway’s head coach SOR became a chant echoed throughout the community, pushing past the South of the River Trash tag historically associated with the community.
In 11 seasons as head coach, Craig Moser led the Green Waves to a record of 74 wins and 52 losses (59%). If you take out the last two seasons, his records stands at 72-44 (62%). During his tenure, the Coach Mo led Green Waves captured 3 Region Championships and 1 Co-Region Championship as well as a memorable win over Rockwood – ending a 16 year losing streak to the Tigers. Prior to the taking over the reins for legendary Coach Stan Branson at the high school, Craig coached the Junior High for one season. In that one season, the Jr Waves went 13-1 and won the Pig Bowl.
Not only did Craig Moser bring wins and hardware to the program; he also helped change the physical landscape. During the Coach Moser era, the football field itself received multiple make-over’s, building a solid playing surface, and finally riding the field of “the hump.” The ole outdoor basketball court which consisted of rusted poles and broken pavement was replaced with a field house; a place where the football team can call home. A practice field was developed, the idea of season tickets and parking passes was implemented, and a Midway shirt became a hot-commodity.
For Coach Moser, there was no off-season. He was and has been dedicated to Midway football. 24/7. 365. Craig was always thinking of Green Wave football. And not only was he a teacher of football, but he was a student as well; he was dedicated to improving not only his players but himself and his staff as well. On several occasions, Craig and members of his staff would drive across 3 states to attend coaching clinics, bringing what they learned back to a small rural school buried deep in south Roane County.
To say Coach Moser had players that respected him or were dedicated to him would be an understatement. He had players that would run through a wall for him. Coach Moser enforced a strong off-season work-out program; getting know-it-all teenagers to understand that the work they do in June leads to wins in November. Coach demanded one thing….that the team give their all for SOR. And they did. The work ethic and dedication that Craig possesses trickled down through his staff & players and is what led to 4 Championships in 11 years.
Coach Moser, if you’ve ever questioned the impact that you may have had on stubborn teenagers that you share the halls or locker rooms with, let us share some comments from a few guys who played for you.
“Craig Moser is one of the most respected people in our community. He is an amazing coach, friend, father and husband. I got to know him in my 4 years here. And I’ll thank God everyday for being blessed to play for him. We had our spats and arguments and I didn’t feel like we were ever on the same page until this past season. And I’ll never forget the only person I wanted to hug after my last game was him. He was like a dad to me and I’ll never forget him as I continue my life. He made me want to be a coach. I wish him luck wherever he goes.”
– Larry Risner
“I just want to say you will always be part of my high school memories. You took the meaning of football and added so many things to it for me I would not be the man I am today without you and the other coaches in my Midway days. You will always be coach to me and the rest of my teammates. You gave us all the foundation for adulthood not just a game. Me personally I will support you whatever and where ever you go. Thank you and I love you, DA”
– Daniel Anderson
“We were young and never understood Coach Moser’s logic behind the game of football….he wouldn’t let us lose. At the end of the game we understood we either won and needed to get better…or we lost and got better.”
– Brent Myers
For years, many have come to know and enjoy sorsn.com, but did you know that Coach Moser played a crucial part in the expansion of sorsn.com? In its inception, the concept of “sorsn” was photos & game write-ups that were distributed to a small group of friends via email. Soon a small site was up and running, but again the targeted audience was that small group of friends/family members. However, once Coach Moser got a glimpse of it, he had a vision that even we the creators didn’t foresee and he suggested we “run with it.” So we did. Coach Moser led the marketing movement by introducing sorsn.com to the student body, coaches and faculty. The rest, as they say, is history.
On a lighter note, we at sorsn.com have tried to counter-offer with free family portraits, Domino’s gift certificates, and Mike Rose agreeing to pick Midway for every game next year…..but to no avail. Though we will continue to ask (repeatedly) that you reconsider, we do wish you great success on your next chapter. Craig, from all of us at sorsn.com, let us end with a simple thank you, thank you, thank you.