Gordon Central High School is proud to announce Mr. Billy Shackelford as its new Athletic Director for the 2022-2023 school year. Mr. Shackelford comes to GCHS with over 29 years of coaching and teaching experience at both the high school and college levels. He spent the last 15 years as the head football coach of Sprayberry High and East Paulding High School. Mr. Shackelford has coached tennis, lacrosse, baseball, track, and wrestling as a head or assistant varsity coach. He also served as interim athletic director during his time at Sprayberry.
Mr. Shackelford presented as a national speaker for both the Nike and Frank Glazier coaching clinics about topics related to offensive football schemes, organizing practices, fundraising, and developing a successful athletic school culture. His facilities improvement background includes projects such as building and remodeling field houses, installing digital scoreboards, and artificial turf. As head football coach, Mr. Shackelford created support programs for student athletes through athletic councils, academic support teams, and being a servant leader toward the mentorship of young people.
Described by his references as “deeply devoted to the people he serves” and “loved by students, coaches, and the community,” Mr. Shackelford’s ability to develop relationships and collaborate with coaches will continue to build on the great athletic and scholastic programs at Gordon Central. He believes in the power of athletics to impact all areas of a child’s life, and he is excited about joining the Gordon Central family and working alongside its feeder programs.
He and his wife, Dr. Melissa Shackelford, are proud parents of their daughter, Sami, who loves playing softball and basketball. Sami will be an 8th grade Ashworth Warrior this fall.
Welcome to the Warrior Nation, Mr. Shackelford!