TJ Carper Tabbed to Lead Football Cavaliers

Article presented by Rathkamp Financial …

The Chillicothe City School Board approved the hiring of TJ Carper as its next varsity Football Head Coach, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Scott Bartholomew following the conclusion of the 2024 season last month.

Carper comes to Chillicothe after a year at the helm of the Zanesville High School Football program. He spent three seasons as head coach of the Vinton County Vikings prior to 2023 going 21-11 with three playoff appearances.

The news release from the CHS Athletic Department states “His (Carper) dynamic coaching style, dedication to community and passion for developing young athletes set him apart from a competitive pool of over 30 applicants.”

“Coach Carper rose to the top of a very strong group of candidates.” said Knute Bonner, Chillicothe’s Athletic Director. “His high energy, community-driven approach, and vision for the future of Cavaliers football make him the perfect fit. We’re thrilled to see what he can achieve here in Chillicothe.”

For Coach Carper, the move to Chillicothe is more than just a professional milestone – it’s personal. “I’m extremely thanful for this opportunity,” he shared. “This is a great fit for my wife and our three kids, and I’m ready to pour my heart, energy, and effort into the program, the players, and the entire Chillicothe community.”

in a statement to Litter Media, Carper added “I talk to my teams about being family a lot and I want to embrace that mentality. I can’t ask my guys to do something I’m not already doing myself. But I’m extremely excited and ready to get to the grind with our guys! Ride or Die!”

Carper’s Cavaliers will open the 2025 campaign at Bloom-Carroll on August 22nd.