CUNNINGHAM, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A candidate for the Republican nomination to Congress organized a prayer gathering called “Friday Night Lights for Faith” in the parking lot of Montgomery Central High School Friday night ahead of the Central vs. Northwest football game, following the recent controversy involving Northwest High assistant football coach Trey Campbell.
The campaign for the candidate, Tres Wittum, said they anticipated a “significant crowd” to attend. However, only Wittum, Campbell, a few other adults, and invited members of the media showed up. Arriving players walked directly to the football field and did not attend.
(Video by Wesley Irvin)
Campbell previously told Clarksville Now he was escorted off the field at halftime of Northwest’s Sept. 6 game against Davidson Academy after leading prayer and sharing Scripture. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System said there were concerns Campbell was “proselytizing” in an official capacity, and Campbell left on his own after he was asked to stop.
Wittum said Friday’s event was meant to support Campbell while also promoting prayer in schools. Copies of the God Bless the USA Bible were to be handed out. These King James Version Bibles include the U.S. Constitution and other founding documents.
“We are going to be praying for our schools, our teachers, and our staff,” Wittum said. “We’re going to let them know that we need God in America, from the schoolhouse to the White House. Tonight we’re also standing with Coach Trey Campbell, who also has been speaking up about faith and winning hearts and minds in a locker room.”
Campbell declined to comment Friday night, and he was not on the field as a coach during the game.
Debate over truth, free expression
Wittum tied Campbell’s situation to what he sees as a wider debate over truth and free expression. “When they start telling us we can’t pray for players and speak truth into their lives, well, what are we really teaching them?” he said.
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Wittum acknowledged that school officials face challenges in balancing policies with public concerns but explained his support for Campbell. “There might have been some misunderstandings, and that’s for the administration and him to work out. But again, you have a good guy, and we’re in a time where it’s hard to find teachers. So don’t let a good one go just because you thought the public might not stand behind you. Tonight we’re going to show you the public does stand behind him.”
The matter remains under review by CMCSS. Campbell is not a teacher, but is a school resource officer employed by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and MCSO has him under administrative leave until an investigation is complete.
Clarksville Now reached out to CMCSS, and they said only that Wittum properly applied for and got permission to use the parking lot.
Chris Smith contributed to this report.
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