Charlie Harper to be honored at namesake event
Brentwood Home Page news reports
When Coach Charlie Harper wraps up his 28-year career as Brentwood Academy head track coach at the end of this track season, he will retire as the most successful high school track coach in state history.

Harper will be honored at the annual Harper Relays that begin at 3p.m. Friday on the Brentwood Academy campus.

Since 1983, Harper has coached boys track teams, winning 14 state championships. Additionally, he has coached dozens of individual state champions in both running and field events.

Several of the BA athletes who have gone on to compete at the college level include Marty Ross at William and Mary, Chris Vaughn at Indiana University, Andrew Bumbalough at Georgetown University, Jason Patrick at the University of Texas, Clark Humphreys at Auburn University, and Ben Davies at the University of Georgia.  Current team member Josh Davies has signed to run track at Samford University.

Harper is known for being an encourager as well as an outstanding coach.  A former team member and current Brentwood Academy coach who competed at Auburn, Hunt Atkins, noted, “Coach Harper has taught all of us to walk humbly, live honorably, and compete with the spirit of the Lord.  Very few men truly lead with actions more than with words, and Coach Harper does it better than anybody.”

Another former team member who currently teaches and coaches at Brentwood Academy, Marshall Smith, also had positive words to say about his former coach.

“The Christ-like impact he’s had on countless young men and women will be his lasting legacy. It’s amazing the ability he has to connect with young people and that results in being able to motivate his athletes to excel,” Smith said. “He will be greatly missed as track coach but, thankfully, he will continue to impact the lives of young people as a teacher at Brentwood Academy.” 

Harper will continue teaching history at the school.  Current faculty member, alumnus and coach Brad Perry will head the boys track program next season.