Owens in spotlight at North-South

Tom Owens Tom Owens wants to make something clear - he may be spending the week in Myrtle Beach, but he's not in vacation mode.

"It's not a vacation, we've been working hard," said Owens, who was tapped to be an assistant on Belton Honea Path head coach Wayne Greene's North staff at this year's North South All Star game. "When we're not practicing, we're at meetings."

The veteran coach said he's grateful for the chance to coach in the game.

"For me, there aren't a lot of rodeos left," he said. "It's been unbelievable to be here. The kids and the coaching staff have been awesome."

As the wide receivers coach, Owens is getting to coach one of his own, Emison Hughes.

"He's probably one of the better ones here as far as catching the ball," Owens said.

A similar thing happened last year when former Blacksburg High coach Robbie Blanton was on the defensive staff while Blacksburg linebacker Maurice Brown played in the game.

Gaffney outside linebacker John Michaels also has performed well in the practice sessions, according to Owens.

"They are both doing a good job and working hard," he said.

Both Hughes and Michaels have displayed their versatility as special teams performers. Michaels has impressed the coaches as a long snapper, while Hughes will likely be a holder.

Typically, the players have a chance to impress the legions of college coaches who attend practice sessions. But Owens said a rule barring Division I coaches has reduced the number of coaches at practice.

The game will be played Saturday at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium. Kick off is slated for noon.

The week's activities include trips to Medieval Times, Outback Steakhouse, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Dinner and the North-South Awards Ceremony.

"The players have a great time at Myrtle Beach during the week. They work hard during the day but they have a lot of fun when they are not on the football field. They eat at great restaurants, stay at ocean front hotels and enjoy off the field activities they can only experience at Myrtle Beach," said Keith Richardson, the executive secretary of the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association.