11/15/2025
First off, I want to thank Dr. Murphy, Aiken County Public School District, the ACPSD School Board, and my direct supervisor, Principal Rasheem Neloms, for giving me my first opportunity to be a high school football coach. A dream I have chased for 14 years. A goal that I have put a lot of dedication and hard work into, to accomplish. One I couldn’t imagine stepping away from for any other profession, except one.
I have felt the call from our Lord and Savior to enter into ministry for years! I stubbornly did a portion of answering him by serving our church in many capacities. However, I never felt like I fulfilled his calling for my life! Even as the head football coach which I got to minister to some great students along the way. I have had this calling for my heart since 2019. Again, I’m very stubborn! I pressed forward on the coaching trail.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to my assistant coaches and the athletes in our program. It’s been a fun and rewarding blessing to lead the War Eagles through two seasons. So much learning and love throughout my time here! I truly have loved my job as the Head Coach and Physical Education Teacher. My coworkers are second to none! I truly believe the future is so bright. The new school has been a blessing for our students. As a person coming from outside the community, I could see the positive impact with clear eyes! I am so excited for our students and what the district has in store for them. Also, I would like to thank our Booster Club. They work tirelessly for our athletics. A group of men and women who have servant hearts and always show up and provide for our students. The WSHS Athletic Booster Club has answered every need we had. Without leading on too much, I must get to the point of this letter.
I am officially resigning as the Head Football Coach. I have given my best effort to make a positive impact on the school, community, and most importantly, on the students of Wagener-Salley. I am accepting a full-time role in ministry. I hear God calling me into this role as clearly as I hear any voice! I must say Yes, and Amen! My wife and I have prayed about this possibility for months. We have both submitted to the Lord that if he calls us toward a specific role, we would say yes, and amen!
I would like to thank the Wagener-Salley community for accepting my family as their own. My son and daughter have never felt out of place or alone here. I weep because of how each one of you has loved them. I will always cherish the heart of Wagener-Salley. I pray that all the parents, administrators, co-workers, students, boosters, and fans know I truly value leading the students at Wagener-Salley. I understand hurt feelings and perspective. So, I will be patient with all of you, as I know God heals and will mend those fences in time. I believe in following your heart. Everyone who knows me also knows my heart has been nothing but football. From the time I would wake up until bedtime. I have poured everything into my role to give them light. It’s time for me to accept another great purpose that God has called me to! I love you all, and I truly appreciate all of you. Thanks for all the memories, support, and love. I will always cheer you on and be a phone call away. Forever and always, Go War Eagles!
Sincerely,
Coach Blaze Gillespie
