“Red” Caughron was born in Sevierville, Tennessee, and came to the College of William & Mary to play football. He received All-State, All-Southern and All-American honors during his three-year varsity career. In 1960, Caughron took over as head coach of the varsity football team at all-male prep school Woodberry Forest in Orange, VA. During his 31-year career, the Tigers compiled a record of 217-56-7, had eight undefeated seasons and won 15 conference championships. Caughron was named “Football Coach of the Year” eight times by the Virginia Prep League. At Woodberry Forest, he also coached the track team for ten years, founded the school’s Summer Sports Camp and served as Athletic Director. Caughron is a 1983 inductee into the William & Mary Hall of Fame.
Harry Caughron, Class of 2009, passed away Friday, May 28th at the age of 88. Known by his friends as “Red”, but addressed as “Coach” by his players for 60 years, he was a native of Sevierville, Tennessee. Caughron attended the College of William and Mary, where he received All-State, All-Conference and All-American honors during his collegiate career. He became head football coach at James Wood High School in Winchester in 1950, before continuing his career at George Washington High School and Hammond High School in Alexandria.
In 1960, Caughron moved to Woodberry Forest, and a year later, became Athletic Director and football coach, where he would remain until his retirement in 1992. In 31 years “Red” compiled a record of 217 wins, 56 losses and 7 ties. His teams, eight of which were undefeated, earned 15 conference titles. He was selected Virginia Prep Coach of the Year eight times.
He will be remembered not only for the level of excellence he demanded and received on the playing fields, but much more for his investment in developing young men of character.
