2013

New staff, young Warriors A new coaching :staff and a mostly freshman squad will take the field when East Central Community College's Warriors officially begin the 2013 campaign at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 29 on the Itawamba Community College campus in Fulton. ''N o matter what level, coaching is a life-changing business, and we look forward to helping these young men be the best football players they can be and to help them further their career at a four-year institution or beyond. That's what coaching is: changing lives." --Ken Karcher

Despite the challenges, first-year head coach Ken Karcher said the "new look" Warriors "hope to build a first-class program that will be com– petitive on a weekly basis." "We are very young but I am pleased with the first Warrior football team our staff has assembled," said Coach Karcher. "We have a talented and very dedicated group of young men who will well represent East Central Community College and its many alumni. We look forward to competing in the always tough MS JUCO League." EC's first "challenge" of the 2013 season will be outside the JUCO ranks. The Warriors and Belhaven University Blazers will scrimmage Friday, August 16, beginning at 4:30 p.m. on the Belhaven field in Jackson. Karcher, a 22-year coaching veter– an and former NFL quarterback, spent the previous Jour seasons at Eastern Mich!gan University, servirig as offensive coordinator and quarter-

backs coach. Although East Central represents his first stint in the JUCO league, Karcher said he looks forward to the opportunity. . "No matter what level, coaching is a life-changing business, and we look forward to helping these young men be the best football players they can be, and to help them further their career at a four-year institution or beyond," said Coach Karcher. "That's what coaching is: changing lives." Serving on Coach Karcher's staff are Mickey Mays, offensive coor~i.na­ tor/offensive line; Scott Brock, defen– sive coordinator/linebackerS'; Todd . . . .

Bates, defensive line/strength coach; Charles Jones, safeties; Eric Gray, com ers/assistant strength coach; and Cody Wilson, tight ends/running backs. "I am very excited about what each coach brings to the table," said Coach Karcher. "Our players will be well pre– pared to compete to the best of their ability at every game." 'Ibp returnees on the offensive side include Martin Johnson, a 6-1, 200- .pound running back and former first– team All-State selection at Nanih Waiya High School; Wesley Smith, a 6-2, 215-pound tight end/long snapper at Morton High School, wher~ he '

•