Emerald High Made a Notable Change in Its Athletic Department

By Jeff Moeller

Contributing Writer

Greenwood – With the fall sports’ season drawing near, Emerald High has made a notable change in its athletic department. However, the shift should be a smooth transition.



           Athletic director and head baseball coach Mack Hite will move into the role of interim principal replacing Rico Salliewhite, and head football coach Tad DuBose will also serve as interim athletic director.

           Hite previously served as district and high school athletic director for five years and director of career and technology for two years, both at Strom Thurmond High School in Johnson.

           DuBose was Abbeville High's athletic director for 11 years. He was a four-time regional athletic director-of-the-year during his tenure there.

           With his background, DuBose, who took over as head football coach in 2020, doesn’t anticipate any initial issues.

           “I am very familiar with the duties and responsibilities that come with it,” said DuBose. “I am excited to continue to serve the young people at Emerald High and honored that the administration has the confidence to name me the interim AD.”

           DuBose also is very optimistic about the Vikings’ chances to make another solid playoff run. They return nine starters on offense and seven on defense from a 6-6 team that advanced to the second round of the Class 4A Region 1 playoffs last year.

           “Spring workouts were great,” beamed DuBose. “There is a lot of excitement around the football program.”

Along with Hite and Dubose, other returning coaches are Tiara Agnew, softball; John Mark Scruggs and Sammy Robinson, boys basketball; Hayden Lawter, wrestling; David Payne, cross country and track and field; Bradley Nickles, boys’ soccer; Jonathan Bass, girls’ soccer; David Moody, golf; Sydney Nichols, cheer; and Emily Shirley, cheering.

           New coaches on board in their respective sports are Sally Spangler, volleyball; Dexter Baylor, girls’ basketball; and Adam Cohen, boys’ tennis.

           Hite believes he has been blessed with continuous and consistent leadership.

           “We are fortunate to have several veteran coaches who have built respected programs and experienced tremendous success throughout their careers,” boasted Hite. “What makes them special is not simply their wins or championships, but the relationships they build with students.

             “Our veteran coaches lead with integrity, maintain high standards, develop young people, and consistently represent Emerald High School the right way. Their experience and willingness to mentor younger coaches are also invaluable to our athletic department.”

           In his new role, Hite plans to monitor the school’s overall picture.

        “As I begin serving as interim principal, I will continue to oversee athletics, communication, delegation, and teamwork across our campus will be especially important,” said Hite. “One of our biggest challenges is balancing the needs and growth of all our athletic programs while providing each coach and student-athlete with the resources and support they deserve.

          “Like many schools, we continually work through scheduling, transportation, facility usage, staffing, and budget priorities.

       “We are also focused on increasing community involvement, improving our facilities, and creating a first-class experience for our student-athletes and fans.”