Tipton-Rosemark standing tall in TSSAA’s smallest classification

It’s Homecoming week at Tipton-Rosemark Academy. And like every year, it’s a big deal at the small Division II school located a few miles northeast of where the Raleigh Springs Mall once stood.

This Friday though, the returning alums might notice a different vibe. The cheerleaders will be a little louder, the hits will be a little harder and the players’ chests will be puffed out a little more.

Because if things continue like they have been, TRA will be a whole lot better.

The Rebels head into their 7 p.m. game against MASE with a 4-0 record. TRA has been playing football for 52 years and that’s only the third time that’s happened.

“Rosemark has usually had the reputation of not having a strong football program,” said junior Jake Roane. “We’re starting to change things.”

Added senior Carter Weakley, “It’s a different atmosphere around here. Coaches are pushing us harder than we’ve ever been pushed in Rosemark history. Things are just looking great ... it’s an encouraging environment and we’re looking at the playoffs with a different perspective.”

The TSSAA certainly helped with that.

After the state’s latest round of reclassification dropped them down to the newly-created Division I-A, the Rebels find themselves on more even footing, competing with schools closer to their enrollment of 190.

No more competing against the likes of Chase Hayden and Trey Smith; the playing field has been greatly leveled. And it’s all second-year coach Collin Pinner could have hoped for.

“Two big key things,” he said. “Obviously one, we’re able to match up a lot better athleticism-wise. St. George’s and