THE CLAMOR of the crowd at Tom Black Track filled the air as a small boy, barely 4 years old, was hoisted high above the grounds by his father. Giant shadows stretched from the packed bleachers, engulfing the legendary track field where legends were made, and this moment epitomized the ongoing tradition of athletic greatness. With wide eyes and a racing heart, Kris Potts-Howard encountered a world that would soon become his own.
Potts-Howard’s family’s illustrious track and field legacy made it clear early on that this was the path he should take. His maternal grandfather, Ronnie Potts, blazed his own trail as an All-American jumper at Austin Peay State University, and his father, Michael Howard, achieved All-American status at the University of Tennessee.
“There are pictures of my dad holding me over the Tom Black Track in Knoxville when I was just 3 or 4,” Potts-Howard recalled.
This early exposure laid the foundation for a lifelong love of the sport.
Growing up in Tullahoma, Potts-Howard embraced a culture of athletic excellence that extended beyond his family. He excelled in multiple sports in high school but truly flourished in track and field. He was just one of many standouts on the Wildcats team. Specializing in the long jump and triple jump, Potts-Howard became a two-timestate champion. Despite his talent in other sports like baseball and football, track remained his passion.
“Track was just something that stuck with me and something that I really loved,” he explained.
The community of Tullahoma propelled him closer to his dreams. The support and recognition he received from locals further drove him to unlock his athletic potential. This uplifting environment shaped his character and defined his track and field career. He knew he wasn’t just competing for himself but for the entire community that had his back.
Potts-Howard’s transition to collegiate athletics required a shift in focus. At Carson-Newman University, he concentrated on the long jump due to hip problems that halted his triple jump career. Nonetheless, his hard work and dedication to improving his athletic abilities earned him All-American honors. His collegiate experience at Carson-Newman was transformative athletically and personally.
“Carson-Newman has a very big family atmosphere, which is a key reason I stayed for four years. My love for my teammates and coaches kept me there,” Potts-Howard said.
Reflecting on his inspirations and mentors, he credits his father and grandfather as influential figures in his life. His grandfather’s passing during his sophomore year of high school was a devastating yet pivotal moment, driving him to persevere and dedicate his achievements to his memory.
“At that time, I had a lot of people [who] were always telling me, ‘You can give up and quit what you’re doing, or you can really persevere and push through, and this can be a new chapter in your life.’ And I really wasn’t complacent with being average. I never have been and probably never will be,” he said.
Professional athletes like Christian Taylor also influenced his triple jump, and legendary coach Vince Anderson, who had coached his father, provided substantial guidance during his early years.
Potts-Howard’s unexpected venture into coaching began at his alma mater, Carson-Newman. Despite initial reluctance, he found great satisfaction in guiding and mentoring young athletes.
“I didn’t want to coach at first, but I get more joy from coaching than from competing. Being able to impact athletes, especially at an institution where I had been, was a blessing,” he reflected. His coaching philosophy is centered around mental strength and discipline. Transitioning to a coaching role at a Division 1 university, Potts-Howard emphasizes the importance of being meticulous and disciplined.
“You’ve got to be locked into what you’re doing. At the Division 1 level, you can’t afford to slack. Discipline is key,” he said.
Potts-Howard aspires to reach even greater heights in his coaching career. His ultimate dream is to coach at the University of Tennessee, where his father’s legacy began.
“As a legacy child, I would love to coach at Tennessee. It’s a dream goal of mine,” he revealed.
Potts-Howard has had a strong support system throughout his career, including his girlfriend, Samantha, who has been instrumental during his coaching transitions. This support, his relentless drive, and the lessons he learned from his mentors, has positioned him for continuous success.
Potts-Howard’s path from a small town to the brink of coaching at the highest levels of collegiate athletics is a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and coaches.
“No matter where you are, there are people out there who want to help you achieve your goals. You can do whatever you set your mind to,” he said.
Potts-Howard’s story is a compelling reminder that we can achieve anything with discipline, focus, and the right support system. And his journey, like those of many other community champions, is far from over. GN
