Photo by: UT Martin University Relations
Chase Thrasher To Resign As UT Martin Head Rodeo Coach At Conclusion Of 2025-26 Season
4/28/2026 8:29:00 AM | Rodeo
MARTIN, Tenn. – University of Tennessee at Martin head rodeo coach Chase Thrasher has announced his intent to resign at the end of the 2025-26 season to pursue other interests, Skyhawk Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Kurt McGuffin announced today.
Thrasher is wrapping up his fourth season as head coach at his alma mater and has been an integral member of the UT Martin rodeo program since 2017, competing as a student-athlete for four years and serving as an assistant coach for one season before his promotion to head coach. He will continue to coach the Skyhawks through the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo, which is set for June 14-20 in Casper, Wyo.
"We wish Coach Thrasher and his family the very best as he transitions out of coaching," McGuffin said. "Coach Thrasher will always be a Skyhawk and we sincerely thank him for all of his contributions to the UT Martin rodeo program."
A Columbia, Tenn. native, Thrasher was named the Skyhawks' head-coach-in-waiting in April 2022 and officially took over that summer following the retirement of longtime head coach John Luthi. The UT Martin men's team qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in Thrasher's debut season while the program has sent six individuals to the national championship event over his final three seasons.
Overall, the Skyhawks produced eight wins (five women's, three men's) and 15 runner-up finishes in Thrasher's tenure.
Thrasher was a four-time CNFR qualifier as a student-athlete under Luthi, competing in tie down roping and team roping at the annual event held in Casper, Wyo. He graduated from UT Martin in 2021 with a degree in farm and ranch management.
A nationwide search for the sixth head coach in Skyhawk rodeo history will begin immediately.
Thrasher is wrapping up his fourth season as head coach at his alma mater and has been an integral member of the UT Martin rodeo program since 2017, competing as a student-athlete for four years and serving as an assistant coach for one season before his promotion to head coach. He will continue to coach the Skyhawks through the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo, which is set for June 14-20 in Casper, Wyo.
"We wish Coach Thrasher and his family the very best as he transitions out of coaching," McGuffin said. "Coach Thrasher will always be a Skyhawk and we sincerely thank him for all of his contributions to the UT Martin rodeo program."
A Columbia, Tenn. native, Thrasher was named the Skyhawks' head-coach-in-waiting in April 2022 and officially took over that summer following the retirement of longtime head coach John Luthi. The UT Martin men's team qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in Thrasher's debut season while the program has sent six individuals to the national championship event over his final three seasons.
Overall, the Skyhawks produced eight wins (five women's, three men's) and 15 runner-up finishes in Thrasher's tenure.
Thrasher was a four-time CNFR qualifier as a student-athlete under Luthi, competing in tie down roping and team roping at the annual event held in Casper, Wyo. He graduated from UT Martin in 2021 with a degree in farm and ranch management.
A nationwide search for the sixth head coach in Skyhawk rodeo history will begin immediately.
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