Batesburg-Leesville returns entire football coaching staff
Panthers looking to have another big year after going 12-1
Batesburg-Leesville – When Greg Lawson took over as the football head coach at Batesburg-Leesville High School four years ago, his goal was to get a staff in place that was completely bought into the program.
He may have just done that as he returns all of his assistant coaches from last year’s team that went 12-1 and did not lose until the quarterfinal round of the AA state playoffs.
“I learned from some pretty good coaches that it’s best for the program when you hire coaches that it means something to them,” Lawson sad. “Most of my coaches played here, went to school here, it meant something to them. They have a stake in it. When they come to work, they enjoy coming to work. They love the kids.
“I've been blessed with a special group. None of them want to leave and they are happy here. There is a sense of community pride with most of them being in the community for a long time. They have a lot of knowledge of the kids in the community.”
Rob Bouknight, who led the Panthers baseball team to the AA state championship last year, is back as the offensive coordinator. Gary Adams is the defensive coordinator.
The other offensive coaches are Brandon Cumbee and Bryan Cotney with the line, and David Prince with the wide receivers.
Defensively, Arromus Harris is coaching the line, Andy Harris the linebackers, and Jake Getson and Shane Bryant the defensive backs.
Chris Whitt is a volunteer assistant.
The Panthers have a veteran roster with 23 seniors and have a lot of major pieces returning. However, they are looking for someone to replace Tanner Watkins, who was a 3-year starter at quarterback.
“The kids have done a good job showing up this summer,” Lawson said. “We’re just going to see how things go at quarterback.”
Perhaps Prince’s most significant role is as the head of the strength and conditioning program for the entire athletic department. It is his second year in charge.
Amber Hartley returns as the softball coach, while Adams returns for his second season as the girls soccer head coach. Charles Holloway will be in his first year leading the boys soccer team.
Eric Gambrell returns as the athletic director and will also be in charge of the girls track and field team. Lawson will be the boys golf coach.
The cross country teams will have new head coaches. Johnell Bell will be in charge of the boys, while Heather Eargle will be the girls head coach.
Erick Shick is back for his second season as volleyball head coach. Nicole Yaworski returns as the girls tennis coach.
In the winter sports, both of the basketball coaches return. William Ash led the Panthers boys to a deep run in the AA state playoffs, and DeVeto Johnson returns for his second season leading the girls program.
Zach Howerton is back after starting up the wrestling program last season. He’ll be the boys head coach while Brian Hall will be in charge of the boys program.
Alex Richardson will hold down two spots as the head coach for archery and clay shooting.
Ashley Fort is the head of the competition cheer and the football cheer programs.
The athletic trainer is Kayla Cotney.
Positions are still open for boys tennis and boys track and field.
