New BHS football coach will be named Tuesday
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com

School district officials have moved quickly to complete their search for a new Blacksburg High football coach.

Concluding a search that lasted little more than three weeks, Blacksburg High principal Jim Touchberry said Friday he will offer a recommendation at Tuesday's school board meeting.

Touchberry said the candidate has accepted the position if the school board approves the hiring on Tuesday.

Former coach Robbie Blanton resigned on Wednesday, Jan. 16, after nine years on the job.

Attempts to obtain the list of finalists from the school district's personnel department were unsuccessful on Friday. School district officials are required to provide the list of finalists under the Freedom of Information Act.

Touchberry said he tried to keep the search as confidential as possible, even school board members have been left out of the loop.

"If word gets out on the new coach, it's not going to be because of me," he said.

Only a few officials in the school district know the identity of the new coach, he said.

Ten of the 30 applicants were interviewed for the job.

Despite the Wildcats' poor record during the last few years, the opening did attract interest from coaches in North and South Carolina in all high school classifications.

Touchberry said he's optimistic the new coach will reverse the team's losing trend.

"I think we have picked the right man for the job," he said.

Touchberry said he is uncertain when the new coach will begin his new duties. It's also up in the air how many members of the current staff will be retained, Touchberry said.

"The new coach will interview the assistant coaches," Touchberry said.