New BHS football coach could be named Tuesday
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Sports Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

DR. BILL JAMES

A new Blacksburg High football coach could be named as soon as Tuesday's school board meeting.

School superintendent Dr. Bill James said he and Blacksburg High principal Jim Touchberry are working today to finalize the hiring of a coach to replace Robbie Blanton. Blanton spent nine years overseeing the football program before turning in his resignation earlier this month.

James said he hopes the district will be ready to name a new football coach Tuesday.

Commenting on the search's progress, the school superintendent called Touchberry about "75 percent certain" on his choice for a new Blacksburg High coach.

James did not release the coach's identity. The superintendent was unable to give details on where Touchberry is in the hiring process.

James said he hopes the Blacksburg High football coach can be introduced to the school board at Tuesday's meeting. Current Gaffney High coach Phil Strickland met with the media at a school board meeting following his hiring in 2003.

"We still have a few details to finalize," James said. "We will meet tomorrow and hope to wrap things up by the end of the day. If Jim Touchberry is comfortable with who he wants to go with, we will make a recommendation on the new coach to the school board."

Blanton has said he plans to remain as the Blacksburg High athletic director. In his resignation letter, Blanton said the move would allow him to spend more time with his family and supporting coaches in the school's other sports.

"I may decide in a year or two that I want to return to coaching," Blanton said. "I believe right now that this is the best decision for me."

The school district received 30 applications from coaches in North and South Carolina interested in becoming the Blacksburg HIgh head football coach. The position attracted interest from coaches at all high school classifications.

James said the district brought in 10 applicants for interviews.

"Most are assistant coaches. There are several head coaches and assistant coaches that are offensive and defensive coordinators," James said. "We plan to hire the best coach we can for Blacksburg High. We want the school to do well and compete for championships."