In this file photo, Soddy-Daisy coach Jim Higgins, left, and former head coach Steve Henry bump fists after Campbell Lewis’ 132 weight class win during the TSSAA wrestling finals at the Williamson County Agricultural Expo in Franklin, Tenn.Jim Higgins unknowingly began building the groundwork for his new career as head wrestling coach at Soddy-Daisy High School more than a decade ago when he competed for Steve Henry, his coach and now his coaching predecessor.
“He knows what it’s like to get overwhelmed and fall short, and he knows how to work and bounce back,” Henry said in announcing that Higgins had been chosen to take over the state championship program.
“He got beat his junior year, faced some serious adversity and came back the next year to get an undefeated season and a state championship. He was a beast,” Henry said.
Higgins had college offers in both wrestling and baseball and eventually accepted a baseball scholarship, which had been his family’s dream. He returned to wrestling, though, and was one of Henry’s assistants as the team captured state duals and traditional tournament titles.
“In my world this is about as close to a dream job as you can possibly get,” Higgins said. “This year in general has been a whirlwind experience, getting into the Hamilton County school system and then getting teaching and coaching positions. This is great news.”