CCS soccer coaches resign,

One of the area’s most successful high schools in soccer is looking for new leadership for both its boys’ and girls’ programs. Chattanooga Christian School girls’ head coach Cal Sneller has resigned after 26 years with that program, and Jimmy Weekley is stepping down after two seasons as boys’ coach to become the director of soccer operations for the Red Wolves, the city’s new professional team.

Sneller, who will remain on staff as a math teacher, won 368 games and a state championship and was state runner-up six times, including this season, during his years overseeing the Lady Chargers. He was voted state coach of the year twice.

Last season he guided CCS to its third consecutive district championship, fourth straight region title and third state final appearance in five years.

“We are very grateful for the years Coach Sneller has spent not only helping build the program but also in being a leader in our school and understanding the role athletics can play in the development of our student-athletes,” CCS athletic director Daniel Russell said. “We are very thankful for how Cal and Jimmy have contributed to the CCS soccer program over the years, and we look forward to seeing the program continue to grow.”

Gene Nelson, who has been an assistant at CCS for 12 years, will serve as the boys’ interim coach for the coming season. He was part of the staff that guided the Chargers to a state title in 2011 and a runner-up finish in 2010 and was also a girls’ assistant under Sneller last season.

Tyler Robertson, who coached the girls’ junior varsity team and assisted with the girls’ varsity last year, will be Nelson’s assistant.

“The consistency of having two guys who have been with our program and understand the importance of the sport here will really make this transition much smoother,” Russell added. “Now we are looking to hire someone who can coach both boys’ and girls’ programs. Whether that be someone who is the head coach for one and an assistant for the other or is the head coach for both will be answered by the candidates we receive.

“We are seeking a head coach who can help us think about soccer holistically from high school through the lower school.”

Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress. com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @ StephenHargis.