Jones takes helm: Admirals eye another state run
“This is my first year ever being a head coach,” Jones said. “I was lucky enough to learn from Chelsea Osborne for the past three years.”
The Admirals’ boys team has been among the state’s elite in recent seasons, winning back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023 before finishing third in 2024.
Jones said he believes the tradition will continue.
“The boys have been a team rich in tradition since I came to Farragut, and we plan to remain that way,” Jones said. “We lost some incredible seniors, but we have a good group of juniors and seniors who have filled in to lead the group.”
Seniors Nick DeGuira and junior Tyson Ebbert are among the key returners after helping the Admirals place third at last year’s state meet at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville.
“Nick has done a great job this summer. He’s made great strides in his focus and determination to succeed,” Jones said. “I preach a family mindset to the entire group, and Nick has really helped spread that idea.”
A strong group of sophomores will also bolster Farragut’s depth. Chase Temples and John Williams headline the rising class, while James Swaggerty and Anders Kofed are emerging as contenders for breakout seasons. Juniors Andrew Cabaniss, ranked 48th last season, and senior Sam Shagan, who placed 36th, also return.
“I do have a hungry group of boys that are pushing one another to get better each and every day,” Jones said. “These boys want to keep the tradition of being an elite high school program in the state of Tennessee, and I’m excited to see what we accomplish this season.”
The Lady Admirals also bring back experience from a squad that reached the state championship meet in 2024.
“We are a great mix of young and upcoming athletes balanced out with some veteran leadership,” Jones said. “The group is ready to improve on last year and begin to make some noise in our division. We returned four of the seven who competed at state, and we’re also gaining back Ella Gruzalski, who was injured all last fall.”
Freshmen Bailey Ann Smith, Emmy Graber, Elina Thompson and Ava Brinley are expected to contribute immediately. Jones is also excited about the addition of seniors Christie and Courtney George, standout track runners making the move to cross country.
“Christie is coming off an eighth-place finish in the 800 at state last spring and has carried that momentum into a very strong summer of training,” Jones said. “And with senior Ella Gruzalski back, this group has a chance to be very strong.”
The Admirals and Lady Admirals will open their season Aug. 30 at the Victor Ashe Fall Classic in Knoxville.
