Alcoa High School has named Justin Ridenour its new head baseball coach, filling the vacancy left by Steve Dunn’s departure in June.
A Homecoming for a Rising Coach
Ridenour, a 2007 graduate of Alcoa High, returns to the program after stints as an assistant at William Blount and a multi‑year tenure at Greenback High, where he guided the team to a 30‑11 record in 2026 and helped push Greeneville to a three‑game series for a spot in the Class 3A state championship.
During his playing days he starred at Cleveland State Community College, and his coaching career has been marked by a commitment to developing talent and maintaining the program’s recent streak of three consecutive state tournament appearances.
In a statement, Ridenour said it is an honor to lead a team that has meant so much to him, adding that he looks forward to building on the foundation laid by his predecessors.
The school board and athletic director cited Ridenour’s deep roots in the community and his proven track record as key factors in the decision, noting that his vision aligns with the school’s ambition to sustain competitive excellence.
Fans and alumni alike have expressed enthusiasm, hoping the new leadership will continue the trajectory that saw the Tornadoes finish the 2026 season with a 30‑11 record and a near‑miss at the state title.