Blanton to stay on as Blacksburg AD
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Sports Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

Robbie Blanton will be allowed to continue as Blacksburg High athletic director after he resigned as head football coach in February.

Blanton requested to continue in the role of athletic director when he stepped down following nine years as the school's football coach.

With a 8-1 vote, school trustees split the head football coach and athletic director position at Blacksburg High.

There will be no increase in the $13,000 supplement received by the Blacksburg High athletic director. That amount will now be shared between Blanton and new Blacksburg High football coach Mickey Moss.

"The fact that we split the positions has no affect on the amount of money spent on the athletic program," Blacksburg High Principal Jim Touchberry said. "Coach Moss is excited about it. We hope to achieve the same success with our football program that has happened across the river.

As athletic director, Blanton will oversee all sports except for football. He will be a full-time teacher and involved in an effort to increase enrollment in the school's driver's education program. Moss will handle all areas of the football program in the new position of assistant director for football operations.

Phil Strickland continues to serve as Gaffney High football coach and athletic director. Strickland has been in the dual role since he was hired in 2003.