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Shuford takes reins of THA football team
bhughes@beaufortgazette.com
843-986-5533
Mike Tuten took over the Thomas Heyward Academy football program three years ago with the plan that he act as a bridge until offensive coordinator/assistant head coach Nic Shuford was ready to take over.
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Tuten passed the torch Wednesday, handing the job over to Shuford after compiling a 17-15 record and one SCISAA Region 2-AA title over the past three years.
"It was absolutely fun," Tuten said. "I enjoyed being with the kids. It's one of those things that you dream about."
The Rebels finished this season with a 3-7 record.
Shuford, who like Tuten is an Rebel alum, has worked on the school's football staff for the last four years.
He also coaches the school's varsity baseball team.
"It's a real special feeling," Shuford said. "I enjoyed going to school here. That's one of the reasons while I wanted to come back and start as a coach here."
The succession plan was something that was in place "from the beginning" according to Thomas Heyward headmaster John Rogers said.
"It was something we all agreed on," Rogers said. "I can't thank Mike Tuten enough. It took a lot of time and effort for him to do what he did."
Tuten made sure to set up a system where Shuford could learn what he needed to for when he was elevated to the position.
"I set it up to give him incrementally more responsibility," Tuten said. "He's accepted the challenge. He's as ready as a head coach can be."
Shuford was more than eager to take all the advice and real-world experience he could as he learned that coaching is more than practice and game nights.
It also involves scouting, being in the weightroom and other behind-the-scenes activities that fans don't see.
"You just wanted to soak up everything you could knowing the position was going to be yours," Shuford said.
Shuford just wishes he didn't have to wait till next August for the season to start.
"That would be great," Shuford said. "I'd love to start practicing tomorrow."
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