Long time Copper Basin High School football coach Mark Stone was honored as one of the schools’ Legends of the Game. Stone was recognized during the Cougars’ homecoming game Friday night.
A 1982 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Stone answered the call from then Copper Basin head coach John Mullinax to come to Basin to be the defensive coordinator and offensive line coach for the Cougars.
Coach Stone’s 1982 defense, also known as “The Wrecking Crew of ’82”, was one of the state’s most dominant defenses. The Cougars did not allow a score in the first half of all 11 games that season and gave up a total of just 84 points, helping the Cougars win the Region Championship and qualify for the TSSAA State playoffs with a record of 9-1.
The offensive line Stone lead was composed of three sophomores, one junior and one senior, heading up an offensive attack that scored 365 points and averaged 33.2 points per game.
The 1982 team recorded shutout victories over both Fannin County and Polk County. The win over the Wildcats snapped a 17-year losing streak.
The following season, the 1983 Cougars won the Region title again. This team went on to earn a semi-finals state playoff berth, losing to eventual state champion Gordonsville 10-7 in double-overtime.
Stone returned to Copper Basin in 1992 as the offensive coordinator for Head Coach Lynn Rowe. The Cougars won the District title with a 9-3 overall record and made the state playoffs where they were defeated by eventual state champion Oneida.
In 1993, Stone was elevated to head coach and would remain in this post through 2005. During this time, Stone won 70 games, making him the winningest coach in Copper Basin history. Each of his 13 teams earned a state playoff berth. In ten games against Polk County, Stone’s teams defeated the Wildcats seven out of ten times, including six straight from 1995-2000.
Accepting the award, Stone thanked his late wife Midge Stone who was such an integral part of what he was able to achieve in building a program due to her willingness to mother many young men that came through the program over the years. He also thanked his family for their support and dedication to allow him to do what he loves.
Stone also thanked all of the players, coaches, support staff, fans, and administration for their unyielding dedication and support throughout the years to making Copper Basin one of the best football programs in the state.
The Legends of the Game award is sponsored by Hometown IGA.