Strickland family finds pride on field, in classroom

TOMMY STRICKLAND The sight most Gaffney football fans get of head coach Phil Strickland is that of a strict general always aiming for perfection.

However, the coach does have one soft spot— family accomplishments, especially those by his sons, Andy and Tommy.

"Me and my wife (Debbie) 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 the coach's tenure at Gaffney High he has won three Class 4A titles, with both of his sons earning a ring under their father's tutelage.

The youngest son, Tommy, is a senior offensive lineman at Gaffney.

He sat out most of last year due to injury, but is back to full strrength this season.

Strickland's

oldest son,

Andy made a name for himself in Indian lore eearlier in the decade by being named to the all-state team and receiving an invitation to the Shrine Bowl in 2004.

Currently a senior at Wofford College, Andy 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.

ANDY STRICKLAND "He has accomplished a lot during his time at Wofford and I believe his last year will hold the same for him," Strickland said.

But success in the real world is not measured by wins and losses, so the coach stresses the importance of academics.

"If you don't make the grade, you can't play," Strickland said.

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.