2005

Smith Named ECCC Lady Warriors Coach REBELS' HARRISON WAS CANDIDATE FOR PosmoN By CHRIS ALLEN BAKER TIMES SPORTS EDITOR "I am proud the kids could under– stand. This means we are teaching them the right things," Harrison said. "When I told them I wasn't leaving they had grins from ear to ear." state tournament, seven trips to tlu south state tournament and two distr11 1 championships. Harrison said the team will regroun this year after losing quality players I•) graduation. but returning players w iII remain competitive and will give oppo nents their best. ('ollege inMoorehead. Harrison has been known to praise his h•am whenever any achievements came ulong.

" I have always prided myself that we have been a team at Scott Central. I have bt-.>n blessed to have some fine young ladies to .play for me over the last 10 y.. m·s," Harrison said. "These young ladies have been com– nutted to both me and the program. " I appreciate their dedication and loy– tlty very much and I love them like they W('re my own," Harrison said. Harrison said his candidacy with Smith was bittersweet but pledged his !tllpport for the new coach at ECCC. "Billy is a close friendof mine and that Is part of what made the process more difficult. I will remain loyal and help in MY way I can," Harrison said. Before arriving at East Central, Smith enJoyed a successful16-year career lead– Ing the girls' basketball program at NPshoba Central High School During his tenure, the Lady Rockets compiled a 388-151mark, which included a state title and six district championships. In all, Smith has 23 years coaching and teaching experience. Smith succeeds Brad Hodge who was earlier named women's head basketball coach at Birmingham Southern. Dr. Sutphin said the search is under– way for a new men's head basketball coach. Interviews will be completed by the week of September 5. f I jl i ' I I ( , ) I (/1 ·-= a: Q. .. (/) ~

Harrison, an alumnus of ECCC, said part of him was sad he was not cho– senbut he is happy to stay at Scott Central and pledged to continue sup– porting the college.

A new coach will take the helm of the women's basketball program at East Central Community College following a selection process that included a Scott County coach as the only other finalist. Dr. Phil A. Sutphin, ECCC president, armow1ced the appointment of Billy Smith as the new coach moments after the college's Board of Trustees approved the hiring Tuesday during its regular August meeting. Smithhas served as the college's men's basketball coach since 2001. Chad Harrison, girl's basketball coach at Scott Central High School, was the other fmalist for the post and expressed disappointment but also joy in retaining his current position. "If I had gotten it, there is no question leaving here would've been tough," Harrison said. "I have had tremendous support from the team, the fans, parents and administration since I've been here." Harrison said he kept the Lady Rebels informed every step of the way while he was a candidate for the ECCC job. He said there were mixed emotions of play– ers wanting the best for him but also wanting him to stay.

"rm glad to have this behind me n11ll we can get back to getting ready for t h season," Harrison said. The fact that he was a candidah speaks well for everyone associated wit 11 Scott Central, Harrison said. "Scott Central is a great place becau the winningest coach at ECCC cnuu from Scott Central and a coach frwu Scott Central was a finalist for the jol•.

'Til admit that I am dis– appointed. But President Sutphin felt like he made the decision that was best ...._____ .....~ for EC and I support Harrtson him," Harrison said. Recognizing how the process affected Scott Central and the county school dis– trict, Harrison expressed appreciation for officials' support. "I want to make -this clear. I have a great, great job. I really do. This would have been devastating if that were not the case," Harrison said. "I appreciate Mr. (Principal Gene) Bright and Mr. (Superintendent of Education Frank) McCurdy: They were willing to allow me to make this move although it would have come at a tough time being so late in the year." In 2005, Harrison will start his 11th season as the head coach of the Lady Rebels and holds an overall record of 189-133 including one state champi– onship and one additional trip to the

Harrison said. "That is a tribute to the players and kids we've had over the years." Having sent eight signees to the college ranks, both of the Lady Rebels' seniors from last year's squad moved for– ward to play on the colle– giate level

Elyse Clay hit the 2,000 mark in points scored on February 21. Clay signed to continue her athletic career at E:1sl Central Community College. Latasha Johnson hit the 1,000 mark hi points scored on February 5. She will play for Mississippi Delta Communll·