Keith Freemon has built two high-school bowling programs from the ground up.
White House High head coach Keith Freemon (blue visor) led the Lady Devil program to three state tournament appearances over four years, including back-to-back runner-up finishes in the last two seasons.
After Saturday’s Division I state championship match, the White House High head coach announced his retirement after four seasons at the helm of the Blue Devil program.
Freemon told his graduating seniors prior to addressing the entire team following their 18-9 loss to Hardin County.
“It’s been a good run, and I’m in a good place,” Freemon said. “I’m getting older, and I want to be able to move back to Florida with my wife in the near future.”
Freemon coached at Hendersonville prior to taking the Blue Devils’ post after the 2011-12 season. He led the Commando boys to three consecutive state championships (2002-04) and the Lady Commandos won one title under his watch in 2008. Hendersonville’s boys also finished as the state runner-up in 2008.
“I’m content with (the decision),” Freemon said. “I always want to leave a program better off than I found it, and I think I did that.”
When Freemon took over the White House program, the Lady Devils had just come off a winless season.
On Saturday, White House finished runner-up to Hardin County for the second straight season after compiling a school-record 33 victories.
Keith Freemon
The Lady Devils have made three consecutive trips to the state tournament under Freemon’s guidance. Four seniors – Madison Beckner, Anna O’Connor, Madison O’Connor and Hannah Dowell – played significant roles in the program’s climb.
Lady Devils play second fiddle again
“I’m proud of these girls,” Freemon said. “They’ve been leaders since they came into the program. They had to. We were no program. It’s been an honor to coach these girls. I’m blessed. These girls are more than just bowlers. They have a combined 3.84 grade-point average. These girls are leaders in their community. I can’t ask any more from these girls than what they gave me.”
Prior to this season, Freemon hired former Hendersonville head coach Tracy Lamberth to work with the Lady Devils. The move was a means to an end as Lamberth will assume head-coaching duties next season.
“(Hiring Lamberth) played a part in my decision,” Freemon said. “That was part of the plan, to have him take over once I was finished.”
Freemon compiled a 95-12 record with the Lady Devils over four seasons, and a 76-21 mark in leading the boys program.
Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.