Clockwise from left: Tommy Strickland; Gaffney head coach Phil Strickland with team; and Wofford wide receiver Phil Strickland. The sight most Gaffney football fans get of head coach Phil Strickland is that of a strict disciplinarian always aiming for success on and off the playing field.

But when one makes mention of the accomplishments of his sons, the coach demeanor slightly changes. "Me and my wife are definitely proud of the accomplishments of our sons," Strickland said. "They do a lot of great things and we couldn't be happier with them."

During his tenure with the Indians, the coach has led the program to three state titles.

For each of the championship years, one of his sons has been within the school's illustrious footballl pipeline.

Strickland's youngest son, Tommy, is a senior offensive lineman at Gaffney. He sat out most of last year due to injury, but is back hoping that his final season in an Indian uniform will be his best.

The coach's other son, Tommy, made a name for himself earlier this decade at the school, earning allstate honors and an invitation to the Shrine Bowl during his final year at Gaffney.

Currently at senior at Wofford College, Tommy has been the leading receiver at the school the past two years.

His 39 catches for 599 yards last year were the most by a Terrier receiver since 1986.

"Tommy is doing a good job," Strickland said. "He has accomplished a lot during his time at Wofford and believe his last year will hold the same for him."

While the coach is known more for his success on the sideline, Strickland lettered in football during his time at Gardner-Webb University.

But success in the real world is not measured by wins and losses. So the coach often stresses the importance of academics to his sons as well as his players.

"We tell them that grades are the most important thing," Strickland said. "If you don't make the grade, you can't play.

Andy has been named to the Southern Conference's Academic Honor Roll for the past two years. Tommy continues to do the same at Gaffney High.

"I couldn't be happier with what the two of them are doing," Strickland said.
BORDER SHOWCASE CLASSIC
IV
BYRNES HIGH SCHOOLDuncan

7 p.m.
Spartanburg vs. Polk
8 p.m.
Gaffney vs. Crest
9 p.m.
Shelby vs. Byrnes