Berkeley's Lodge adds to football staff
Moncks Corner – Some summers can be a little hectic for high school athletic directors if there is significant turnover within the coaching staff.
When a varsity or junior varsity sports team loses a head coach, the athletic director has to fill those positions. Sometimes, there is very little turnover but there can be years where several openings occur.
Fortunately, for Berkeley High athletic director Brian Welch, his 2024 summer was relatively easy. Welch reports that every varsity head coach is set to return for the 2024-25 school year.
“No changes, everyone is back, and that’s a good thing for the stability of our programs,” said Welch, who is entering his fourth year as athletic director.
Head football coach Eric Lodge, entering his second season at the helm, has a few new assistant coaches in the football program.
On the offensive side, Lodge has hired Chris Knight as the co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach. Knight comes from Hampton County High School and will share duties with Bryce McGill.
Former Berkeley star receiver Solomon Butler is returning as a receivers coach this fall. Butler was an all-region selection and played at Western Carolina.
Eugene Benton is new to the football staff. Benton will coach the placekickers and punters and will coordinate the special teams effort. He most recently coached at James Island and Oceanside Collegiate.
Corners coach Joseph Williams is new to the staff, also coming over from James Island.
Returning as defensive coordinator will be Cole Faulkner, who also coaches linebackers. Justin Mood begins his second season as the safeties coach and Kevin Wadford coaches the running backs.
Along the trenches, former Coastal Carolina player Brock Merritt works with the offensive line while Andrew Dennis coaches the defensive linemen.
“We have a good staff and we’re coming together well with the new guys,” Lodge said. “We’re basically learning on the fly but we’re in good shape.”
Returning head varsity coaches include Courtney Shine (volleyball), Joe Harnage (boys, girls tennis), Missy Loftis (cheer), Melissa Hicks (boys, girls cross country), Matthew Mullins (boys basketball), Crystal Peace (girls basketball), Jeremy Colley (girls golf), Cole Faulkner (boys golf), Thomas Ard (wrestling), Landy Cox (baseball), Kelly Dillon (softball), Nick Hammond (boys soccer), Will Chassereau (girls soccer), Damien Callum (boys track) and Tyshonda Hawkins (girls track).
As the athletic director, Welch knows the importance of having a solid relationship in the community and stresses to his coaches to be involved in camps and developmental programs to foster a positive relationship with younger kids.
Berkeley is the lone public school in Moncks Corner and the town supports their Stags to the hilt.
“It’s a great town and the people here love their Stags,” Welch said. “We are very fortunate to have a community that supports our athletic program and all of our coaches understand that having a good relationship with our community is vitally important to our success.
“Our coaches have taken a big role in the lower levels, the rec department. We want to get to those kids very early and develop a strong relationship because those are our future athletes. We have great participation in our camps through our partnership with the rec department. We want our coaches to make an investment in the community. It creates energy and enthusiasm. It’s a big deal and our coaches recognize the importance.”
