RHS coach leaves to be with family

RANDLEMAN — Randleman High School football coach Shane Timmons has always stressed the importance of appreciating every moment, never taking anything for granted and giving your best every play.

Simmons also lives by those philosophies and has left the RHS football program to head to Memphis, Tenn., where his nearly two-year-old daughter Ophie is under the care of St. Jude Hospital.

Ophie was diagnosed with ependymoma, a very rare type of brain cancer.

Timmins has moved to Memphis to give his daughter the best care available.

“Obviously, it's tough for Shane and his family, his wife, his grandparents. It's been a grueling process for them,” said RHS Athletic Director Jake Smith, who says he speaks with Simmons almost daily. “Everyone is supporting him. It’s in the doctors’ and the Lord’s hands and we’re all praying she comes out through these surgeries.

Ophie had a successful surgery last Thursday, just one of many steps needed.

“Randleman has always been awesome in support with or without someone sick,” Smith said. “They are always there to lend a helping hand and when this came down, they showed it that much more. 

“I’ve been contacted by every school in Randolph County asking how they can help. It’s like Shane said, there’s so much good in the world but you don't see it because of what is going on.”

Timmons has been the head coach at RHS since January of 2020.

Under the direction of longtime assistant coach Brian Hughes, the Tigers remained undefeated Friday night with a 36-7 win over Piedmont Athletic Conference foe Wheatmore.

“Brian has been in the program a long time and he and Timmons are really close and that helps,” Smith said. “They are constantly in communication, not all the time about game plans but about how the kids are doing, making sure they are doing the things they need to do in the classroom. Our whole football staff will help fill the void.”

The Tigers are home Friday night as they host Providence Grove.