Last Friday night prior to Cloudland’s football game, Garry Oaks, a Cloudland alumnus, was recognized for his many years of service to the students and the football teams of Cloudland High School. The press box at CHS was named in his honor, the Garry Oaks Press Box.
“Mr. Oaks has been a huge influence on thousands of student-athletes at Cloudland, including me,” said former CHS quarterback and head coach, Robbie Turbyfill. “He was a great teacher, coach, and assistant coach. He had the school’s best interests at heart in all decisions he has ever made. Anytime I think of Cloudland football, Coach Oaks comes to mind.”
Mike Lunsford agreed, saying, “Garry Oaks was one of the most loyal, dedicated, and hard-working Highlanders of all time. He was one of my greatest assistant coaches.”
Oaks served CHS as head football coach and assistant football coach for 40 years (1971-1975, 1977-2011). He played football for the Highlanders from 1961-1964. Starting as tackle, he received honorable mention early in his football career, and was named All-Watauga Conference as a senior.
He began his coaching career in North Carolina, then returned to Cloudland as head coach (1971-1975). After taking a year off, Oaks stepped into an assistant coaching role and remained in that capacity for 35 seasons. Specializing in defense, Oaks worked with John Orr for 12 seasons, with Mike Lunsford for 15 years, with Gary Keith for three years and with Robbie Turbyfill for five years.
Oaks coached in 428 games for the Highlanders, missing only two over the course of his career. He contributed to 20 conference championships, 24 playoff appearances, 15 playoff victories including the school’s first at Oneida in 1987), and two bowl games (with one win).
He contributed to the Highlander’s advancement to the Class 1A State Championship game in 2001 and semi-final round in 2002, as well as part of a state quarter-final squad in 1996, and was also part of five undefeated regular seasons, with the Highlanders going 10-0 in 1991, 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Oaks was inducted into the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
“I am most proud of the kids I have taught and coached that have come back to the community as successful adults,” Oaks said.
Even after his retirement, he continues to remain active in Cloudland football, helping in any way needed. Oaks is a lifelong Cloudland Highlander.
His wife, Regina, and their daughter, Brandy, and grandchildren, Jackson and Roman were on hand to share in the ceremony.
Jon Fontanez, CHS principal, said, “Mr. Oak’s record of service for 40 years speaks volumes about the kind of man that he is. It is so impressive that he served the students of Cloudland High School with distinction and with the commitment to excellence that he did. I feel honored to have met such an exemplary educator and role model, and I say thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many students over the years.”
LaDonna Boone, and husband, Steve Boone, CHS athletic director Robbie Turbyfill, and former players, Jon Julian, Larry Roberts, and Jon Stevens were instrumental in bringing about the dedication event.