There is no better role model for students about how to be mentally and physically strong than Habersham Central baseball coach Chris Akridge.
But for the last two weeks, the community has given him strength as he has battled COVID-19 in the hospital.
Akridge entered his 16th day in the hospital Tuesday, hoping to get his symptoms under control. He has been up and responsive at times, and his wife April gave an update Monday night that the numbers were headed in the right direction. But the doctor told them the numbers could easily trend the other way, so they still had a few miles to go before he can return to his family, his classroom and his baseball team.
Meanwhile, the community has stepped up to help the Akridge family and their four boys.
“It has been overwhelming,” April said. “People have bought school supplies, they’ve mowed our grass, they’ve walked our dog, they’ve picked up our laundry and cleaned it for us. We have more food than we know what to do with.”
The outpouring from the community is a true measure of how their neighbors and friends feel about the family, including the coach who has touched the lives of many players and students.
“I can’t explain it,” April said. “People just showed up and carried us when we could not carry ourselves. The Lord’s hand was placed on us, and the community has rallied around us.”
Akridge sent a message through his wife to let everyone know how much they love their community and how they are “blessed to live in Habersham.”
“Coach Ak,” as he is affectionately called by most folks in Raider circles, has been slowly making gains on his oxygen levels, but the process is moving at a snail’s pace so far.
In addition to his family, the school has missed him as well. “Coach Akridge is a valued member of the Habersham Central family. He is an exemplary social studies teacher, baseball coach, and mentor to our students,” Principal Dr. Jonathan Stribling said. “He puts students’ interests first, and his professionalism and talents as an instructor are respected by all who work with him. Since this situation began, Coach Akridge and his family have constantly been in my thoughts and prayers. I am looking forward to the day when he returns to the classroom and our students and teachers again reap the rewards of all that comes from being around Coach Ak.”
Superintendent Matthew Cooper echoed those sentiments.
“As a school system, we are praying daily for Coach Akridge,” Cooper said. “Coach Akridge is one of the best employees in our school system and he is loved by many people. We are optimistic that he will be able to return to his teaching and coaching duties very soon.”
April said her husband too is optimistic about his progress, even if the slow healing process has left him in an unfamiliar position – stationary and without constant human interaction.
“It’s been a roller coaster,” April said. “We just hold our breath and keep praying. We want to get him home to his four boys.”