Rutherford's Rivers to retire at end of school year

SPRINGFIELD — Thirty-three years ago when Greg Rivers came to Rutherford High School, he had never set foot in Panama City.

Friday in the school’s new gymnasium, Rivers announced his pending retirement and sounded as though he still was having some difficulty leaving.

Rivers, 61, has stepped down after five years as head football coach, and on June 30 will end a career in education that includes head coaching positions in six different sports.

“I made the decision two years ago, and told Mr. Kennedy that I wanted to finish up with the ninth-grade kids that came in four years ago,” Rivers said.

Rutherford Principal Mike Kennedy now will begin the advertising process to search for Rivers’ replacement. Rivers said that he has lost 50 pounds in the past six months, but that health issues did not factor into his retirement.

A Vietnam veteran, Rivers came from Georgia to work under head football coach Ron Clark when Clark took the job in 1977. Rivers resultantly worked under seven head coaches, became defensive coordinator under Coach James McAllister and succeeded Steve Hardin when he left Rutherford five years ago.

Rivers coached the Rams through three consecutive losing seasons, then posted winning campaigns the final two years as a freshmen class that included Cordaryl Rogers, Sean Watson, Dieton West and Nick Smith became upperclassmen.

“I love Rutherford, I enjoy the staff here,” said Rivers, who also was the head coach in boys basketball, girls basketball, boys track and field, girls track and field and boys weightlifting at various times during his tenure.

He said his long-range plans are to spend more time with his family that still lives in Georgia, and includes grandchildren as well as his parents.

Kennedy introduced Rivers to a gathering that numbered many current and former coaching colleagues and past Rutherford principals.

“I’m here today to do something that’s very bittersweet,” Kennedy said before ceding the floor.

Rivers called Hardin’s regime, which included two state championship game appearances and seven straight 10-win seasons, great years during his stay. He also coached NFL veteran linebacker Will Witherspoon and former NFL linebacker Alonzo Johnson.

Clyde Mills worked alongside Rivers for many years and was the school’s athletic director when Mills retired.

“Greg was the best team player in that whatever needed to be done he would pitch right in and do it,” Mills said. “So many times people say that’s not in my job description, don’t bother me, but that’s not a big deal to Greg.”

Rutherford offensive coordinator Mark Stanton said Friday he will be among those who apply for the football head coaching vacancy.