OUR VIEW: Coach Gray will be missed at high school

» Shirley Gray’s decision to retire from coaching leaves a void at Culpeper County High School, other athletic news is promising

It’s been a long time since Shirley Gray wasn’t coaching some sport at Culpeper County High School — more than four decades. But that will be the case come August now that Gray, a legendary football, wrestling and golf coach at CCHS, has decided to retire.

Gray was an assistant football coach for the Blue Devils during some of their most successful seasons, he guided the CCHS wrestling program to a state title as the head coach and until his decision to retire he had been the Culpeper golf coach for 30 years, ranking as the seventh-winningest coach in Virginia High School League history.

Along the way he was a positive influence and roll model for hundreds of Culpeper athletes and a man that leaves such a legacy that will be tough to replace at CCHS.

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Local leaders deserve kudos for the job Culpeper did hosting riders during the recent Bike Virginia tour. About 2,000 cyclists rode through town and spent the night at local hotels or camped out at Eastern View High School.

The riders also took part in Culpeper’s 250th anniversary celebration. Welcoming the riders with such welcome arms can only help enhance Culpeper’s reputation as a wonderful place to visit.

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Congratulations also go out to all the local Little League All-Stars, who have been putting their baseball and softball skills on display in recent weeks. The All-Star season began with opening ceremonies in Charlottesville and several Culpeper teams are in the midst of competing for spots in state tournaments.

Also showing off their skills was the Culpeper Comets U13 girls soccer team, which went undefeated for the second season in a row. With their success the girls have shown that hard work can produce stellar results.