Chase Moore with former NFL player Johnny Morton at a recent Glenville State game. Morton is one of the coaches at the W.Va. college that Moore is learning from.
Chase Moore is a graduate assistant at Glenville State is shown on the sidelines at a recent game. The Mingo County native played college football there, after graduating at Matewan. He hopes to continue coaching in the college ranks.
Kyle Lovern
Sports Editor
GLENVILLE – It wasn’t that long ago that Delbarton native Chase Moore was making tackles and running the football for the Matewan Tigers.
After high school he went to Glenville State College in Glenville, W. Va. to play football and continue his education.
“I played my football there in Matewan from 2003 to 2006 and graduated high school in 2007,” Moore said. “I was blessed to be able to make enough plays in six games before breaking my fibula, which ended my high school football career. To receive a scholarship to play for Glenville State College was a dream come true.”
While at Glenville State from 2007 to 2010, he played fullback in Coach Allan Fiddlers spread offense, which is very comparable to the offense Rich Rodriguez ran during his time at West Virginia University and Michigan. He got the call to start his senior season. Moore also played on many special teams.
Moore said he had a great experience while playing college football.
“The chance to be able to play NCAA football is always a great opportunity whether it’s NAIA or FBS (Division 1). Glenville State plays in the WVIAC conference which is Division 2. As a player the experience is everything,” Moore said. “From what it takes to prepare for a game by studying film, practices, and the meetings - to the friendships discovered.”
“The best experience was winning a conference championship in 2008. Being able to be a part of a championship team and seeing first-hand what it takes to win is something I will always take with me where ever in life. On a more personal note, having to work from the bottom up and fight through injury was tough. But after the injury and at the end of the day, I can say I stayed, played, and graduated which is something that I will hold close to my heart. I’m currently majoring in Physical and Health Education with an emphasis in Exercise Science.”
Now Moore is coaching at Glenville State. When asked why he got into coaching, Moore stated, “After my senior season Coach Fiddler decided to step down and at the time our Offensive Coordinator Dave Hutchison would be filling his shoes as head coach and asked me if I wanted to be a student assistant. So obviously, I accepted and I will always be grateful for that opportunity Coach Hutchison gave me to get my foot in the door of the coaching business.”
“As of now I only serve as a student assistant, but it has its challenges and ups and downs. As does being a grad assistant. The extra film study and game planning that it takes to succeed to prepare for an opponent is far more dedicated than I would had anticipated. Of course I had some insight to what it takes from my time as a player, but the intricate detail when scouting teams and the hours spent in the office, then having meetings, and finally you end the day with a high octane practice is the life of a college coach,” Moore said.
But he loves the opportunity he has received. “I love every second of it. I am also responsible for the running the scout team defensive, so not only am I learning the schematics of how an offensive works, I’m also getting hands on experience in being able to break down fronts, recognize coverages and the blocking schemes.”
“I also am learning what it takes to match up against many kinds of blitzes. It’s so exciting to be where I am at right now because this is only the beginning of something special,” Moore added.
When asked if he planned to coach in college, or would he like to come back to the area and coach in high school, Moore is leaning toward staying in college.
“After I graduate I do plan to continue my education and GA because this game is literally changing every season so the more chances I get to learn from more experienced coaches the better it can be for me,” he said. “I do plan to stay in the college ranks since this business is so hectic. Once you’re out it is very tough to get back in. That being said, it would be an absolute privilege to be able to come back home to the coal fields and coach the awesome kids southern West Virginia produces. However, I have some time left and some more learning and maturing to do before I can honestly make that decision.”
Moore said he had some early influences. “Now that I think about it, I have had coaches who have impacted my coaching career starting back to my pee-wee football coaches Jerry Baisden and Joey Hunt, my high school coach Yogi Kinder, and the whole Glenville State coaching staff have really impacted me.
“But, the one person who influenced me the most is the same guy that introduced this great game to me and that would be my father Britt Moore,” Moore said. “He has been the foundation all my life and has made so many sacrifices and went without so I can have the opportunity to do what it is I love.”
His mother is Medina Mahon and he has two sisters, Brittany Moore and Kansas Moore.
“I definitely want to bring all the glory to God and what Christ did for me so that I can do what I am doing now,” Moore stressed. “I would like to mention my church family at Living Stone Baptist for the support and everyone back home in Mingo County that is praying and wishing me the best.”
“Also I want to thank Sam Woods and everybody at P.E.C. for their constant support. And Johnnie Morton who has just joined our staff at Glenville and has been open and answered all my questions about the ins and outs of the game,” Moore concluded. “Lastly, I want to send a special thanks to Glenville State athletic department and football staff for letting me join and being patient with me during this time of learning and finding a new appreciation for the game of football.”
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