A Familiar Face Returns
Summit High School’s baseball program is set for a notable shift as Chad Kirby, who once built the program from the ground up, has been reinstated as head coach following the resignation of Greg Manuel just days before the new season was to begin.
Kirby’s return comes after a three‑year stretch in which Manuel oversaw a 42‑60 record, a period marked by dwindling win totals and mounting pressure on the team’s performance.
A Decade of Building Success
From 2011 to 2023, Kirby served as both athletic director and the school’s first dedicated baseball coach, amassing more than 230 victories and capturing four district championships. Under his guidance the team made multiple appearances in the TSSAA state tournament, establishing Summit as a competitive force in the region.
Before his initial tenure at Summit, Kirby honed his coaching philosophy at Ravenwood, where he led the program to two district titles and a state tournament berth, further cementing his reputation as a builder of winning programs.
What This Means for the Future
The administration hopes Kirby’s deep familiarity with the school’s culture and his proven ability to develop talent will revitalize the squad. Players and staff alike are eager to see how his experience and leadership will translate into a renewed push for district titles and deeper playoff runs.