In a fitting end, Jeremy Alumbaugh stood on the field taking in the final moments of Chattanooga FC’s impressive 3-3 draw against Atlanta United FC in front of a great turnout Saturday at Finley Stadium.
Alumbaugh spent his last day as CFC’s CEO on Tuesday. His final season leading the club served as his best, with Chattanooga dominating NISA league play with the most points (49) and goals (44) on the way to a 14-3-7 overall record. The season ended with a 1-0 semifinals loss to the Michigan Stars.
Arriving to CFC in November of 2019, Alumbaugh will now take an executive opportunity out of state with another soccer club.
“We came here knowing that the club was about to take a big step forward into the pro ranks,” Alumbaugh said. “I was happy to help that happen and help the club transition through that process. Covid got in the way a little bit, but we navigated through it so well.
“The fans, ownership and the board were just great. My time here was great and I can’t thank everybody enough for making Chattanooga such a special place. It’s going to continue to be a special place and a special, special club. I will be back one day in Section 109. My heart is always with the supporters.”
NISA’s golden boot and ball winner from last season, Markus Naglestad, who carried his dominance over from last season by scoring CFC’s first two goals against Atlanta, had high praise for Alumbaugh.
“Jeremy has done a phenomenal job,” Naglestad said. “No one else at our level would have an opportunity to play a team like this in the preseason. Playing on a stage like this, it’s just one of the many things he’s done. He has helped us so much and created a foundation for us to succeed.
“We have a great platform. Every game day is perfect — from the way we travel to the way we are treated and taken care of. The love this club shows its players is unmatched at this level.”
The club has announced Davis Grizzard will be the interim CEO after serving as its Vice Chairman of the Board.
“We are excited for Jeremy and the next chapter of his career,” Grizzard said. “His leadership and direction were integral in the club transitioning to a pro team in NISA, relaunching our women’s team, navigating us through the pandemic and appointing new head coaches for our men’s and women’s teams.
“The club grew stronger under his leadership. We are excited to build on this momentum for the future of CFC.”
The upcoming season will be the 15th in CFC history. The home schedule for the 2023 season will soon be announced with NISA play opening the first weekend of April.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.