I believe I was first to break the news that basketball coach Larry Yarbray got his walking papers yesterday. Many people doubted the validity of the post and one person actually said, ‘If true, it will come out,’ as if I didn’t already let it out.
Let me remind all readers that…
I may post stuff that’s not popular, but I never post a lie.
Reading coach Yarbray gets fired is more than enough to digest in one post. However, two other popular coaches were fired, too.
Chester High long time girls track coach AJ Thompkins and long time tennis coach Joe Providence were both let go.
AJ (shown in feature photo) has had great success in girls track. Unfortunately, track is a team sport and lately there just aren’t enough good girl athletes joining the team each year. Despite that little issue he seems to have at least one or two stars on the team each year.
School district support for boys and girls track has been iffy for some time and AJ has started his own track club which is loaded with very good girl athletes. That could be part of the reason for his firing.
Coach Joe Providence may be one of the most unknown coaches in the school district and has had the most incredible accomplishments. As tennis coach, he has taken a couple girls from never holding a racket all the way to the state championships.
I owe coach Providence a lot of credit for shaping the direction of the Chester Spotlight Paper and the Chester City Blog.
My first few issues of the Chester Spotlight paper in 2006 were all fluff stories as I thought the city wanted to read about good news going on around town. Coach Providence called and said he had a story.
After I printed his story of not being allowed to leave his teaching post early while the girl’s tennis team hopped on buses to travel to away matches with no adult supervision and had to start their matches with no coach and no parents to watch, and that the girls had to walk from Chester High to Chester Park for practice everyday, that took the Chester Spotlight in a new direction.
More than a few people came to me and said that was the type of story they wanted to read. So, since then, I’ve been bringing the controversial issues to print thanks to Coach Providence.
The message coach Yarbray received when told of his firing was, “Thank you for your service, we’re going in a different direction.”
I’m willing to bet, a lot of supporters of Chester High basketball and probably a handful of players who are being recruited to schools outside the area will be going in a different direction, too.
Obviously, the new school superintendent had to sign off on these firings. Anyone been in touch with Dr. Juan Baughn lately?
Here’s the Delcotimes.com article on Yarbray’s firing.
Chester Matters Blog 
Great job classmate .
Good Morning Mr.Roots, I have to speak out and share my experience… My baby girl was and still apart of the CHS girls track team and she also ran for AJ’s Elite since the age of 6 years old. No I will not take away from Mr. AJ Thompson his awesome coaching abilities we have known each other since youngsters, but when you use your track club to steal from single parents whom bust their backside to provide the best for their children and support it’s wrong, so him being fired I’m sorry sir his habits caught with him.
Well, I thought I said his track club ‘could’ have had something to do with his dismissal. Y’all be wanting me to spill all the beans. Somethings are better left unsaid.
Not sure if your readers care so much about the new “direction” you’ve chosen for your articles as much as they care for authentic, transparent articles that keep them informed about things that truly impact their communities and daily lives. Whatever the case, Coach Thompson never STOLE anything, so there’s nothing to “spill the beans” about. TRY keeping both the news you print and your comments FACTUAL, as you never know who is impacted by your “news”/ “blog”. Journalists are more powerful when they deter from entertaining foolishness at someone else’s expense.
I don’t think you’d call a something that happened in 2006 a new direction. And, I didn’t write he stole anything. Amazing how some readers just add words to what I write.
Not sure if your readers care so much about the new “direction” you’ve chosen for your articles as much as they care for authentic, transparent articles that keep them informed about things that truly impact their communities and daily lives. Whatever the case, Coach Thompson never STOLE anything, so there’s nothing to “spill the beans” about. TRY keeping both the news you print and your comments FACTUAL, as you never know who is impacted by your “news”/ “blog”. Journalists are more powerful when they deter from entertaining foolishness at someone else’s expense.
CHS currently still has a girls track team just not the young ladies that run for AJ’s Elite Track Club.However let me make it very clear this is and was by their own choice that they all chose not to run for the HS or the current Coach the 2016-2017 indoor/outdoor Track Seasons this school year. They along with a lot of others throughout our very own community as well as our Track community seem to think the current Coach had him fired and it’s very far from the truth. The current Coach has nothing but the utmost respect for Coach AJ and has always spoken very highly of him as a Coach. He grew up watching him 1st as a student-athlete then as Coach while attending CHS as a student-athelete himself on CHS boys TrackTeam! The current Coach wants nothing more than to continue keeping the HS girls Track Team competing competivly
Did someone mention Chester didn’t have a girl’s track team?
No you did not say they didn’t have a track team you clearly said 1 or 2 girls/ stars come out for the Team!! I was just letting it be known that just because Coach AJ is no longer coaching the HS girls team , they still had a few girls that remained on the current HS team
Well, if I said girls come out for the team, wouldn’t that imply there’s a team? Seems you’re the only one having an issue here. Sorry that this blog post set you off like this.
Stephen,
First off I didn’t say YOU said Coach stole any. Secondly, I was referring to the comment you made in reply to the parent! Keep it short and cute “sir” as like I said FACTUAL info is what’s needed here! You Mr. Bored Blogger are the one that is REACHING here with by insinuating that you have beans to spill here per your COMMENT , not the article itself! But good try! No wonder your blog sucks!!! You get offended easily! Have a blessed day.
The problem with anonymous commenters is you never know who is referring to whom. Let’s be clear…my credible source mentioned the track club may have brought some problems with coach’s employment with the school. Since I can’t confirm the facts that came with that statement, I left it unsaid. I’m not offended. I reply to all comments. This doesn’t seem like the type of blog you enjoy, so, why are you here?
Well this is no ANONYMOUS response! This is Coach AJ Thompkins! Let me tell ALL OF MY HATERS something. To the assholes who don’t know, I didn’t JUST START A.J.’ Elite. It began in the year 1993! So let’s take this time to think. Most of my club athletes went on to run for CHS. Duh!!!!! Next, to all of y’all who think I STOLE MONEY, you can kiss my ASS! I tried to remain professional, but now you have taken me there. I’ve given my life to young folks. So when parents have to help out when the TRACK CLUB, I repeat, TRACK CLUB fall short of funds, it becomes a problem. When athletes and parents can’t afford to pay the fees, I have to rely on WHOEVER to help get the athletes where they have to go. In this instance, I did ask the parents to help out at a particular meet when some of the athletes who went on the trip couldn’t pay. You, as well as your children went also. That’s all I’m saying about that ONE TIME trip that I fell short of funds. Next, if this happens with a NEIGHBORHOOD track club, what does that have to do with Chester high school’s team? Nothing! So let’s set that straight. Since you call me a thief, by saying that I stole from parents, you, as well as ANYBODY can kiss my ASS. That is an assassination of character and it is in motion to handle that! Now for the reason the school said I would be replaced, the administration said to ALL OF THE COACHING STAFF, that we can rent vans, get certifications, or whatever during the summer with our AAU teams. I asked them AGAIN if this was true, and they told me YES! I have been working with Bargain Rental for 29 years since I was coaching at Sun Valley in 1988! When I show up they just say “hey coach take the key and go, we already wrote you up! I don’t give them no money or check. That’s the kind of positive working relationship that we have. Remember, it’s been 29 years! When I rented the van to take the team to the nationals in August of 2015, which I notified the superintendent and assistant superintendent, I was told in February of 2016 that they was not going to honor the bill. Really!!!! SO I TOLD THEM, I will pay the bill so take my next three checks so it will definitely be paid. They said ok. So now here comes the start of cross country in August of 2016 four days into the season. They call me into the office and said they would hiring a new track coach because of the van situation. They called the payment of the van, RESTITUTION! Bullshit! For the sake of the YOUNG LADIES, I told them to take my checks, they didn’t tell me that it would be considered RESTITUTION! So would all of you who think I stole, still think that way? If you do, then FUCK YOU! Now for your information, I retired from teaching and coaching after the 2012 school year. Thanks for the pension by the way. I was in North Carolina when I was informed that the coach that took over for me took ill. As a favor to my “main man” Randy, I decided to coach the team again. I have to wake some dumb asses up and say, coaching high school is just an after school EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY! It’s not a FULL TIME JOB with benefits! CHS has the lowest pay for coaches in the state. So for all of those who think I was supposed to fall in the gutter, how you like me now!!!!!! By the way, remember, I am receiving a MONTHLY PENSION for the rest of my life. This is on top of the TWO NEW JOBS that I have. Y’all make it seem like a death sentence not coaching at CHESTER HIGH. I am more upset about Larry than myself. My family and I have bigger and better goals and aspirations after my youngest son graduates from college. Next, I am not GOD, nor am I the parents of the young ladies that said they do not want to RUN FOR CHS! I said good bye to them when I cleaned out my locker. Days later, when I was practicing with my post college athletes, Wallace and Shaniel, one of my valedictorians by the way, they showed up saying they talked it over with THEIR PARENTS and would like to stay with me and run club. Initially I said no because my heart was still with CHS. They just would not give in. After talking one of the PARENTS, I truly knew how much of a positive influence I was with this group. By the way, after graduating numerous valedictorians FROM AN ATHLETIC PROGRAM, wouldn’t you say that I know THE PROCESS of what it takes to make it to COLLEGE? Has anyone even mentioned about the ACADEMICS? By the way, the lowest GRADE POINT AVERAGE of these young ladies is 3.3! How can anyone say to these athletes that they will not be able to make it to college if they don’t RUN for CHS? Wow! The last time I looked, everyone in college is not an athlete. They are just mad because the PARENTS allowed them to remain with their coach. Now, I rode off into the sunset and minded my own business, but now after someone pointed it out to me that all of this was being said, I am ready to face ANYBODY who keep saying I’m a thief and stole some money. I didn’t want my family to find out about this, but it’s too late! I always HANDLE MY OWN BUSINESS, but since women or whoever is assassinating my character, we will face all of you. You started this and we’ll finish it. Man, woman, or child that wants to see me about something, you know where to find me. Any woman I have someone for you, and for ANY MAN that wants to see me, come and get it!!!!
Thanks AJ. Wish more folks had the balls to respond when mentioned on this blog.
Not sure if your readers care so much about the new “direction” you’ve chosen for your articles as much as they care for authentic, transparent articles that keep them informed about things that truly impact their communities and daily lives. Whatever the case, Coach Thompson never STOLE anything, so there’s nothing to “spill the beans” about. TRY keeping both the news you print and your comments FACTUAL, as you never know who is impacted by your “news”/ “blog”. Journalists are more powerful when they deter from entertaining foolishness at someone else’s expense.
READ STEPHEN READ! No one said you mentioned him stealing anything! Be very careful and clear! I referred to you’re failed attempt to insinuate that you had beans to spill regarding Coach AJ. No wonder your blog sucks! Stay neutral and professional when writing your “blogs”. Otherwise you’re nothing more than a gossiper, as Chester has enough of that as I’m sure you’re aware! By the way, why are you mentioning or responding to something alleged to happen in 2006. Sir you’re quite bored! Do some research so that you can update you’re content. Have a blessed day. Fake a$$ Wendy Williams!
Why are you so angry?
Coach Providence just got fired. Any sympathy for him? I simply shared my relationship with him for those who may be interested.
In 2006 Coach Providence brought a story to me about girls tennis. To verify, I went to a girls tennis match at Sun Valley to see them there all alone, no parents, no coach, no support. In fact, a storm came thru, their bus hadn’t come back and Sun Valley didn’t invite them to come inside the school. So, they sat in my SUV til coach showed up.
I recommend you find something else to read. This blog obviously isn’t for you.
I see a lot you people on her saying have a bless day that curse right after. WHAT GOD ARE YOU SERVING!!! Your father must be the DEVIL!!! Baal
READ STEPHEN READ! No one said you mentioned him stealing anything! Be very careful and clear! I referred to you’re failed attempt to insinuate that you had beans to spill regarding Coach AJ. No wonder your blog sucks! Stay neutral and professional when writing your “blogs”. Otherwise you’re nothing more than a gossiper, as Chester has enough of that as I’m sure you’re aware! By the way, why are you mentioning or responding to something alleged to happen in 2006? Sir you’re quite bored! Do some research so that you can update your content. Have a blessed day. Fake a$$ Wendy Williams!
If you would take the time to read, you’d make an effort to spell my name right.
Not concerned about how to spell your name! YOU KNOW who I’m referring to and that’s all that matters! I’m here quite frankly because like you , I happen to be bored today, not because you have anything amazing or new read. When I find something else to entertain myself with today I’ll be done. In addition, I’m not angry . I’m actually enjoying the interaction, as my responses are getting under your skin. It’s evident in how you respond to your “readers”. I’m glad I can be of service by helping bring some life to your blog today. HI🤗!!
Ms. Anonymous😃
Yup. You got me shook up. Long live the trolls.
Good reply bc that person obviously can’t read bc she is repeating herself over & over again!!! Fake GOD FOLLOWER!!!
This “ANONYMOUS” commenter, who doesn’t seem to possess the HONESTY or COURAGE to even reveal who they ARE, yet who has no problem accusing YOU of being DISHONEST is the worst sort of participant! Seriously, I agree with you Mr. Roots. Mr. or Ms. “ANONYMOUS” needs to stop reading your blog and start sending condolence notes to the fired coaches and the sad teams who are losing their leaders. Unbleievable!
P.S. WHAT A TROLL INDEED! If she is so “bored,” she should go out and collect a groups of kids and CLEAN UP THE TRASH IN THE CITY, or take a young girl under her wing and encourage her to go to college and MAKE HER OWN LIFE instead of getting pregnant by some callous boy, with no resources to raise her child and no interest in marrying her.
That’s a good one. You would know about trolls🤗
Trolls😂😂😂 Mr. Roots you would know about those, especially since you too ………. Never mind.
First this is a good outlet for the city to find what going on. Far as a grassroots level.
Second, the main focus should and always be on what best for the children. If The past coach had a ALLEGED activities that are deemed detrimental to the future of the children he brought it on himself to why he was fired. It not gossiping it about our future. Maybe. Some one would like to run a story about the reason he was fired.
But one thing for sure he cut over 10 children last spring with no explanation for a 7 man roster. I am not one to believe a smaller team can compete. Yes I did my research so those cuts was unjustifiable since those children was not detrimental to his team. Just a thought
CLORINDA,
Slow down. It’s UNBELIEVABLE., not unbleivable🤗You must have been really pissed when jumping in the conversation between myself and Mr. Roots. You were more concerned about our exchanges than the article itself. I’m sorry I ruffled your feathers. Take a deep breath Hun.
CLORINDA, MR. ROOTS and OTHERS,
Whether it takes “balls” or not to reveal who you are when commenting, the fact remains that this forum permits OPEN commentary and if someone chooses to remain unknown / ANONYMOUS, it is their right to do so. It doesn’t change what’s being said and quite frankly if YOU or anyone else knew who was behind the keys, you still WOULDN’T DO ANYTHING about it. SO, IF I’M A TROLL , so be it. 😩 My position still stands that MR. ROOTS was stirring the pot when mentioning having beans to spill regarding Coach and because ROOTS didn’t like my response, he began the written “attacks ” in his replies. The real TROLL runs this blog💯.
When it’s all said and done, COACH shut all that down and addressed what needed to be addressed. So you all have a BLESSED DAY, as I know I will 😘✌🏾️.
Mr. Roots,
No disrespect. It seems you only want people here who agree with you. I read all of the comments in this post and the woman that was called a troll was simply stating her opinion in the beginning. Your insulting responses seem to have taken her in another direction. Please know that I’m not taking sides here, but were you more fueled by what she said or her remaining anonymous? Either way, she made some good points has the right to remain anonymous as well as anyone else who decides to add a comment.
At any rate, thank you for the article . The firings are indeed unfortunate. Especially since these coaches had/have vested interests in these children as both athletes and students. Particularly, in my opinion, Coach AJ. My hope is that the district takes a good look at how their HR decisions will impact the students and that they make decisions with the mind of putting the students first.
If I only want comments that agree with me I wouldn’t approve the ones that disagree. We either agree, disagree, or agree to disagree. Everyone is welcome to their opinions. I’m surely going to express mine, regardless.
You are right, student athletes will be impacted by these firings. Time will tell what the impact will be.
I’m sooo sorry to hear that Coach AJ lost his job. My daughters was apart of First Chester Track Club witch then turned into AJ’s Elite . Two of my daughter’s was apart of his 8 and under 4×1 relay and my oldest was a midget shot put and 100 meter dash runner. When God closes one door most times another one opens.