Few coaching changes take place at Chesterfield

Chesterfield – As the 2024-25 school year begins, there will be a few new faces in charge of some athletic programs at Chesterfield High.

Athletic director Kevin Kenny had to make a big hire, late in the spring, to fill an unexpected opening for the head coaching position in football. Former coach Jonathan Eason announced in May that he was accepting a head coaching spot at his alma mater, Central of Pageland.

Kenny had to hustle to find qualified applicants for the job, not an easy task heading into the crucial summer months. Luck, however, was on his side. Kenny was able to hire Matt Quinn as head coach, pulling him away from his post as athletic director at Marlboro County High.

“We were very fortunate to find such a highly qualified candidate so late in the game,” Kenny said. “Certainly the timing to bring in a new football coach after spring practice is not ideal but it worked out for us. Matt is a very successful coach and he had a desire to get back into coaching. We got lucky but some luck is life is a good thing.”

Quinn has previous head coaching experience at several schools, including Westwood High in Columbia and North Augusta High, as well as a stint in North Carolina. He is graduate and former player in one of the state’s elite programs, Byrnes High.

Two of Eason’s assistant coaches also left Chesterfield but Quinn was able to maintain most of the coaching staff.

“They’ve been hitting the ground running since day one,” Kenny said. “They are working hard and the kids are responding. They’re starting behind in some areas but they are catching up. The coaches are doing a great job.”

Kenny also announced a change in volleyball. Junior varsity softball coach Courtney Vanderpool will take over the volleyball program this fall.

In track and field, Kenny pulled off a coup in attracting long-time coach James Wall to take over his program. Wall enjoyed great success in North Carolina, winning multiple state championships before retiring in the Tarheel state at Anson County High.

“Again we are very lucky,” Kenny said. “He is a proven winner and leader of young people and we are excited about what he can do with our track program. Our athletes will benefit greatly from his knowledge.”