2009

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East Central's Cheatham resigns 52-year-old coach coming off surgery for prostate cancer from school reports gery for prostate cancer on June 22. He cited health concerns as a reason for his resignation. 11 1 just don't think I can give East Central and the young men what they need going into the upcoming season," said ~ I just don't think I can give East Central and the young men what they need going into the upcoming season. sible with our new grandchild," he stated. ...

Cheatham, who plans to retire from the state system following 28 years of service, will continue coaching but on a different level. He will serve as a physical educa– tion instructor for K-8 grades at Conehatta Elementary School, a division of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, beginning in August. Dr. Sutphin, who reluctantly accepted Cheatham's resignation, said East Central "will defmitely See Cheatham Page 84

Steve Cheatham has resigned. as head football coach at East Cen– tral Community College in Decatur, ECCC President Dr. Phil A. Sutphin announced Tuesday. Cheatham's resignation is effec– tive July 31. Cheatham, who took over the Warrior program following the 2007 campaign, underwent sur-

Cheatham, a 52-year-ojd Philadel– phia native when announcing his resignation in a Tuesday after– noon meeting with Dr. Sutphin and Athletic Director Chris Harris. "Although the surgery was termed successful, there's still a six-week period where I'm limited to what 1 can do. I just don't have

ECCC football coach Steve Cheatham ..

''My daughter Lindsey and her hus– band (Bo Burkes) are expecting their first child in February. (Wife) Brenda and I want to be able to spend as much time as pos-

the strength I need to do the job." Cheatham said having cancer also changed his priorities. He wants to spend more time with his family and is looking forward to being a grandfather.