Chapin’s football program will be under new leadership for the first time in a long time next season. 

Long-time Eagles head coach Justin Gentry is retiring after 14 seasons as the program’s leader. Gentry made the decision official on April 9. 

“Being blessed is an understatement, and after 30 years of roaming a sideline, I am retiring,” Gentry said in a released statement. “I can’t begin to explain how much I am going to miss the outstanding young men and coaches that have dedicated themselves over the years, and I thank them for laying the strong foundation for this football program.”

Before his time at Chapin, Gentry was the coach at Lake City for six seasons. He started his career under Dean Boyd at Williston-Elko. 

Gentry retires with 146 career wins, with just under 100 of them coming from his time with Chapin. He led the Eagles to six winning seasons, including back-to-back 11-win years in 2015 and 16. 

"The retirement of our Head Football Coach, Justin Gentry, marks the end of an era.," Chapin athletic director Ronnie Weisenger said.  "His dedication, commitment, and leadership have profoundly impacted our program and we are incredibly grateful for his contributions.  Coach Gentry worked tirelessly with his players to help them improve on and off the field and put his heart and soul into Chapin High School football.  "

Under his guidance, Chapin made the transition from the South Carolina High School League’s 3A classification to the 5A class, which is the highest in the state.

“It has been a pleasure to have been a part of the Chapin community and an honor to have served as head football coach and assistant athletic director,” Gentry said. “Life is all about developing relationships and I can’t leave without thanking the community and boosters for their love and support of me and my family over the last 14 years.”

The Eagles had a middling year in 2023, going 6-5 overall and 1-3 in 5A Region 4 competition, for fourth place. The team made it to the first round of the postseason before losing to Stratford 28-27 in round one. 

Chapin will immediately begin its search for the school’s next head football coach. 

Gentry has no plans to coach anywhere else for now. 

“I tell my players that all good things must come to an end and today, my end as Chapin’s head football coach has come,” he said. “Chapin High School will always hold a special place in my heart. This is not a goodbye, but a see you later! Go Eagles!”