When Larry Pitts retired from the United States Army, he did not anticipate his second career would yield 16 seasons of molding the Cookeville Boys Golf program.
Pitts served as a Master Sergeant and Command Career Counselor for the US Army. Pitts began to coach sports when he volunteered to coach baseball and basketball for the US Army Youth Services. After his retirement, Pitts worked at the Cookeville Golf Club when he was approached by Cookeville to become a potential head coach in 2009.
“I enjoy coaching and I love working with the young people so [I said] I’ll give it a try,” Pitts said. “I never thought I’d last this long doing it but I’ve had a lot of good kids, had a lot of good parents, and we’ve been successful.”
Since Pitts took over the position in 2009, Cookeville has appeared in the team state tournament eight times. The Cavaliers have also sent an individual to the state tournament during 15 of 16 seasons Pitts has coached. This season, Cookeville returns reigning state champion Owen Hill, who helped the Cavaliers capture another district title in Murfreesboro. Cookeville won the district to advance to regionals for the 16th time during Pitts’ tenure.
“I remember when I first took over, I was told that you guys will be okay, you got a chance at winning district but that’s about as far as you’ll go,” Pitts said. “We finished third in state.”
Pitts said the wins may be meaningful, but the relationships are what keeps him coming back.
“My whole thing from the beginning was as long as we can be successful, as long as they’re having fun with it and I’m having fun with it and we’re being productive, I don’t see any reason to leave.” Pitts said.
Pitts said he hopes to use his approach as fuel for the team as the Cavaliers enter the final stretch of the season. Cookeville continues their quest for a state tournament this week.
