Shelbyville Central has hired a long-time veteran high school coach to lead the Golden Eagle baseball program.

Chase Jones was named the head coach at Shelbyville Central this week.

Jones had a successful run at Coffee County from 2002-2012, winning 225 games during that time.

He led the Red Raiders to four district championships, made five regional appearances, advanced to the state sectional round three times and made it to the state tournament in 2011 for the first and only time in school history.

He later won 115 games at Grundy County from 2013-2018.

While there, he won two district championships, made two sectional appearances and made the state tournament in 2018.

He has a total of 340 career wins.

"I'm very excited about this great opportunity and as soon as I sat down for the interview I felt at home," Jones said.

"I coached against Scott Hall when I first started coaching at Coffee County. Our teams had a lot of great games and I've always respected this baseball program.

"Then Brad Frazier took over the program and continued that tradition. I know a little about this baseball tradition from coaching against Shelbyville Central and I look forward to learning even more about the tradition of this baseball program. Coaching baseball is my passion and I haven't been this excited in a long time."

Plans are for assistant coach Jason Williams, along with Harris Middle School coach Colt Williams, to remain in their current roles.

"I'm so excited to have Jason and his son Colt on the staff and really look forward to working with them, as well," Jones said. "Talking to coach (Jason) William, I know there is a lot of young talent coming up and that makes this opportunity even more exciting,"

Jones believes in a total team aspect.

"I want to build a bond with each player and I want to earn their trust," Jones said. "Some of the best teams I've coached over the years may not have been the most talented but they played for each other and trust each other and that's a huge part of why I've been successful."

Jones doesn't necessarily dwell on team wins and losses and believes that if players work hard and are improving, the wins will come.

It's more than playing the game of baseball, it's about how a player can transition what he has learned playing the game of baseball and apply it to his life to make him a better person.

He was scheduled to meet with the team for the first time on Friday morning.