In a shockingly quick and unexpected move, Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK) placed Coach Pharr and Coach Traylor on administrative leave and prohibited them from coaching just days before Senior Night and secondarily, just shy of Coach Pharr’s likely 1000th game win. Rumors swirl from so-called locker room incidents to name calling, disgruntled parents and playing time. Parents have been misinformed and misled under the guise of legal protection. The previous AD and Head Football Coach were fired under somewhat similar circumstances and we fear the same fate for our beloved baseball coaches.

Current AD and Head Football Coach, Chad A. Speck is also an attorney and sports agent. Understandably, he will not release details or anything regarding the nature of the accusation due to legal advice and frankly, we don’t need details. The people I know love Coach Matt Traylor and he is also a full-time teacher at the CAK. Coach Tommy Pharr is a hero to many players and their parents. Through his instruction and influence, boys have learned how to be men first and baseball players second from one of the best in the game.

We organized this petition to quickly and immediately rally support for Coach Pharr and Coach Traylor. If our voices can’t be heard at Monday’s closed school board meeting, maybe the results of this petition will capture the appropriate attention.  

Finally, if you are willing to write a letter of support asap for these two outstanding coaches, please email  board@cakmail.org, Coach Chad Speck (cspeck@cakmail.org), Mr. Jon Day (Jday@cakmail.org), and Head of School, Rich Fulford (rfulford@cakmail.org). Please pray for Coach Pharr and Coach Traylor, their current student-athletes, and the entire CAK baseball program. We know God is in control, and we know even this He will use for the good of those who love Him.  

Thank you for signing this petition and sharing with anyone who understands coaching especially, and how the “system” can work against honorable men caught in an unfortunate situation and creates longstanding negative consequences.