Stephen Hargis

Stephen has covered sports in the tri-state area for the Times Free Press for more than 35 years and was named Sports Editor in February of 2015 after 10 years as assistant sports editor, where he oversaw the prep sports staff. Stephen is among the most decorated writers in the TFP newsroom, having won more than 60 awards at the state, regional and national level ranging from investigative work to feature and news writing. Stephen was named one of the top 10 sports writers in the nation at the Associated Press Sports Editors' conference in Kissimmee Fla., in 2012, and has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists with Green Eyeshade southeast regional awards three times. He received an Associated Press national award for a season-long story following the Taft Youth Center football team, was named the state's top overall sports writer by the AP Media Editors as well as Tennessee Sports Writers Association three times and has also been named the state's top prep writer 19 times by the TSWA. Stephen is a lifelong Chattanooga area resident and has two children, Riley and Lauren.

Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.

Former Hamilton County coaches cite lack of support as reason for moving on

by Stephen Hargis ·August 20, 2022

Waiting for change to come at public schools in Hamilton County has created frustration in a growing number of quality local coaches who are leaving the system.

Staff file photo / In five seasons as head coach of Howard’s football program, John Starr, center, helped the Hustlin’ Tigers to three playoff berths. He resigned in spring 2021 and is now an assistant at a Georgia school, one of several former head coaches at a Hamilton County public school who chose to move on because of a perceived lack of support from the school system.

Private schools factor into Hamilton County’s public school sports struggles

by Stephen Hargis ·August 20, 2022

The issues caused by the glut of public schools in Hamilton County are compounded by the overabundance of private school options.

Staff photo / McCallie’s Milos Stijepovic drives to the basket during a game at Ooltewah in the Best of Preps tournament in December. Hamilton County’s public schools, such as Ooltewah, compete with private schools, such as McCallie, not only in the athletic arena but sometimes for the student-athletes themselves.

Hamilton County’s prep sports struggles start in middle school

by Stephen Hargis ·August 20, 2022

On the surface, the shortcomings for Hamilton County public schools sports programs are easily recognized.

Staff file photo / Former Red Bank High School football coach Chris Brown, now a Baylor School assistant, said the Hamilton County Athletic Conference for middle school sports does not prepare athletes for higher levels of competition. One major drawback is the HCAC having shorter seasons, which limit the time for coaches to work with athletes and keep them from participating in state tournaments.

Hargis: Hamilton County needs more money or fewer schools

by Stephen Hargis ·August 20, 2022

The first step in solving any problem is to acknowledge one actually exists.

Staff file photo / David Sharpe, District 6 commissioner for Hamilton County, said the county’s schools “are falling apart, and it’s going to cost money to fix it.” The lack of funding is noticeable in outdated athletic facilities at multiple schools.

Red Bank defense, offense work together to defeat Cleveland

by Stephen Hargis ·August 19, 2022

If there was one aspect more impressive than Red Bank's spectacular playmaking ability on offense Thursday night, it was the opportunistic defense that created those scoring chances.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / The Red Bank captains cast long shadows as they approach midfield for the coin toss. The Red Bank Lions visited the Cleveland Blue Raiders, in TSSAA football action, on Thursday night, August 19, 2022.

Numbers to know for Chattanooga area’s 2022 prep football season

by Stephen Hargis ·August 17, 2022

As the 2022 high school season kicks off Thursday for the Chattanooga area with a trio of matchups, here are some numbers to know.

Staff illustration by Mark Wiedmer Illustration / As the 2022 high school football season kicks off for the Chattanooga area on Thursday and Friday, McCallie’s quest for a fourth consecutive TSSAA Division II-AAA championship with coach Ralph Potter will begin.

Best of Preps jamboree caps positive preseason for Central, Red Bank, Tyner

by Stephen Hargis, Patrick MacCoon ·August 14, 2022

Smiles on the faces of high school football coaches one week before their season opener typically mean just one thing: They like their team's potential.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Tyner head coach Scott Chandler talks to an assistant during the Best of Preps football jamboree Saturday night at Finley Stadium.

Finley Stadium evacuated after fight during Best of Preps jamboree

by Stephen Hargis ·August 13, 2022

An incident occurred just as the final period of Saturday night's Best of Preps jamboree began.

Staff photo by David Paschall / Chattanooga Police Department vehicles are seen in the area around Finley Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, during an incident that occurred at the Best of Preps football jamboree.

Marion County football coach Tim Starkey suspended by TSSAA

by Stephen Hargis ·August 13, 2022

Tim Starkey will have to wait a bit longer before making his debut as head coach of Marion County High School's football program.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Marion County High School football coach Tim Starkey, a former assistant who was promoted in the offseason to lead the program, talks to the Warriors during a July practice in Jasper, Tenn.

Hargis: After offseason of change, Chattanooga area’s prep football teams turn focus to the field

by Stephen Hargis ·August 11, 2022

It was an offseason of notable change for the Chattanooga area's high school football programs.