- Wade Waldrop has left James Clemens and taken the head coach job for the Florence Falcons. Photo- Bob Labbe
Wade Waldrop exits James Clemens, takes head coach job at Florence
Published 8:58 pm Thursday, January 7, 2021
MADISON- After eight successful years as head coach of the James Clemens football program, Wade Waldrop has accepted a similar position at Florence High. He was officially announced Thursday.
Waldrop posted a 54-35 overall record for the Jets including 38-18 in region play. The Jets also made the post-season playoffs six times including the 2020 season where the Jets were 8-3.
Waldrop’s James Clemens teams were 20-1 in Class 7A, Region 4 games over the past three seasons.
Both Florence and James Clemens participate in Region 4 and Waldrop’s teams posted a 3-1 record against the Falcons in the four head-to-head meetings.
Florence’s forfeited its scheduled game against James Clemens this past fall due to COVID-19 concerns, but James Clemens beat the Falcons 47-33 in 2019 and 51-20 in 2018.
The 2018 meeting tied for Florence’s most lopsided defeat of the decade.
“This is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up as they came calling and presented me with the opportunity,” said Waldrop. “The move to Florence is a good fit for my family.”
Prior to taking the James Clemens head coach position, Waldrop was a seven-year head coach at Chelsea from 2006-12, going 41-34 at that school with four playoff berths and a playoff win in 2007.
“There’s no doubt the opportunity to build something and establish success is fulfilling as a coach,” Waldrop said. “It’s something I’ve prided myself on the last eight years and even being at Chelsea High School ten years ago.
“Fighting to be the best and fighting to try to compete to be the best is the fun part of the job.”
Over a 15-year career as head coach he has a 95-69 record.
“Being at James Clemens has been the most challenging and rewarding thing I’ve been a part of in my career,” said Waldrop. “I’m proud of what we’ve built here in Madison. I feel God has me going in the direction I’m headed.”
