Tinninis retires as head coach at G-A

The time has arrived.

Made official on Friday, Chuck Tinninis is retiring as head football coach at Greencastle-Antrim High School, ending a three-decade tenure with the Blue Devils. Tinninis and the G-A athletic department confirmed his decision to The Record Herald.

This past season marked Tinninis' 30th at Greencastle, where he compiled 157 wins since taking over the helm in 1988.

"It's time," Tinninis said. "I thought about it a long time and I feel good about the decision. When you're hired as a head coach there are three things you look for. First, you want to go out on your own terms. I got 30 years in at the same school, and I'm proud to be able to say that. Second, you want to think that you helped the program. And third, you want to leave the program in good hands. I feel like I've done all those things."

The 55-year-old admits his decision was influenced by some physical aches and pains of late, along with wanting to spend more time with his family. While he is retiring from coaching, Tinninis will continue to teach at the high school.

"I have a couple grandkids now and I want to spend more time with my wife (Marcie)," Tinninis said. "I still like working with the kids, and I'll still be able to keep an eye on the players. But it's time for me to step away from the program and allow the next guy to take over."

Considering the length of Tinninis' run, it's hard to quantify his impact.

"Coach Tinninis has been a figure within our football program for three decades," G-A athletic director Vicki Ritchey said. "He has built not only a solid program but, perhaps more importantly, solid relationships with hundreds of student-athletes. His presence in our program will be missed by many."

For Tinninis, it's always been about more than just football.

"I hope I taught my players football, but I also hope I taught them a lot about life too," he said. "Football teaches you about discipline, how to be a part of a team and work ethic. There's a right way and a wrong way to do things. I always tried to make sure my kids knew the right way of doing things."

According to Ritchey, the G-A School Board will approve Tinninis' resignation at the January meeting. Once the decision is accepted, the position of head coach will be posted for two weeks with interviews being conducted to determine the next hire.

"The program is stable, from the high school to the middle school," Tinninis said. "It should be a seamless transition, which is what I wanted. I have no regrets and made a million memories. I'd do it all over again. It's just time."