Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Staff Report
It’s been in the works for nearly 100 years, scheduled to be released before his 98th birthday. “100 Years as a Warrior” is a book about Happy Valley Coach Charlie Bayless. Sports Writer Charles C.Y. Peters is currently working with Coach Bayless and his family, former players, and coaches in the area to pay tribute to one of Carter County’s and Tennessee’s most famous coaches.     

In 98 years there isn’t much Coach Bayless hasn’t done. He’s coached basketball in about every arena you can think of. He won many conferences, District, Regional, Sub-State, and produced state champs in several different sports. He coached players like Shaquille O’Neal, Tennessee’s Alan Houston and coached many young boys who became coaches. Coach Bayless is known from Memphis to Mountain City and has opened doors for many young men to be successful in their careers.     

“They are my boys,” Bayless said for many years, “I didn’t dribble one ball or shoot one shot, they won the games. Everyone always wants to talk about wins, but to me how many kids I’ve helped in life and to graduate, that’s what’s important.”       

Coach Bayless was on the gym floor as a coach for 62-years. He coached two years JV, one year at Jonesboro High School, and 59 years at Happy Valley. At the age of 88, he decided it was time to walk away. During his time he coached baseball, football, basketball, golf and track. At one time he won the conference title in four sports as a head coach the same year.    

In the book, you will be able to read about Charlie’s early life, how he became Charlie (real name is Roscoe Craig Bayless), his fishing and hunting time, and mostly his time as a Military Policeman during World War ll. The book will include photos of all 60 teams he coached, stories from former players, coaches he coached with and against, and stories from his daughters, growing up with one of the most famous dads.   

You will be able to read about his playing time as a Warrior, Milligan College, and ETSU. “100 Years as a Warrior” is scheduled to be released in mid-September. Peters said, “I’m still looking for some stories from former players and coaching. Anyone who would like to submit a Coach Bayless story can email me at peters5@charter.net