West Ridge High School has named Chase Arnold as its new boys basketball coach, ushering in a familiar face for the program and the broader Blountville community.
Arnold, a Sullivan North alumnus who earned two‑time all‑state honors, brings a deep local pedigree to the role. His collegiate experience at Lees‑McRae further sharpened his understanding of the game, positioning him as a coach who can bridge high school development with higher‑level strategy.
A Transition in Leadership
He succeeds John Dyer, whose tenure began when the school opened its doors in 2021. Dyer guided the team through its formative years, but the administration opted for a change that reflects a desire for continuity and a renewed emphasis on home‑grown talent.
The decision resonates beyond the gymnasium. Parents, alumni, and longtime supporters see Arnold’s appointment as a vote of confidence in the school’s commitment to nurturing athletes who have grown up watching the sport locally. Their expectations are high, but so is the optimism that a coach who once wore the same colors will instill both discipline and pride.
As the new season approaches, Arnold will blend his playing experience with fresh coaching philosophies, aiming to elevate the team’s competitiveness while preserving the community spirit that defined West Ridge basketball from its inception.