Alcoa baseball hires Justin Ridenour as coach, replaces Steve Dunn

Jul 06, 2026 - 20:35

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Alcoa baseball has hired Justin Ridenour as its new head coach, the school announced on July 6.

Ridenour recently served as the Alcoa Middle School baseball coach from 2024-26 before moving up to the high school level. He will replace former coach Steve Dunn, who stepped down on June 19.

"We are excited to welcome Justin as the head coach of our baseball program," Alcoa athletic director Joshua Stephens said in a school release. "Justin is an outstanding teacher, coach, and leader who understands the tradition and expectations of Alcoa baseball. As a former Tornado, he has a deep appreciation for what this program represents, and we are confident he will continue to build on its proud legacy while making a positive impact on our student-athletes both on and off the field."

Ridenour graduated from Alcoa in 2007 and played baseball at Cleveland State Community College. He started as an assistant baseball coach at William Blount from 2012-18 before landing a head coaching opportunity at Greenback.

He led the Cherokees from 2019-23, picking up immediately in the wake of their TSSAA Class A state championship. Ridenour transitioned from Greenback into his most recent role at Alcoa Middle School.

Alcoa's baseball program has taken off in recent years with three consecutive state tournament appearances. The Tornadoes went 30-11 in 2026 and pushed Greeneville in a three-game series for a spot in the Class 3A state championship game.

"It is truly an honor to return home and lead the baseball program that has meant so much to me," Ridenour said. "I look forward to developing young men who compete with passion, represent Alcoa with pride, and strive for excellence in everything they do."

Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: wynton.jackson@knoxnews.com

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Alcoa baseball hires Justin Ridenour as coach, replaces Steve Dunn