ROCKINGHAM — A lot of information, in regards to the upcoming football season, was shared at a parent meeting held in the Richmond Senior cafeteria Wednesday evening.
First-year varsity head coach Bryan Till went over the new-look coaching staffs, brought attention to some key dates in the near future, talked about player eligibity and more. It was important, Till said, for everyone who attended to get a better understanding of how the summer will unfold and what the team is doing in order to play at a high level this fall.
“I think it went extremely well and I was pleased with the turnout at the meeting. It allowed people to see everything it takes to be good,” he explained. “We can’t just show up and win state championships. We’ve got to put the work and the time in.”
Greg Williams, who was the offensive coordinator of the 2008 team that won the state title, has made his return. He will now operate as the assistant head coach of the offense. Brad Denson is now the team’s offensive coordinator, Hal Shuler is the assistant head coach of the defense and Till will be the defensive coordinator.
For the junior varsity team, Patrick Hope will now serve as the head coach, offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Mike McClure will coach the JV defense, while former head coach William Fly will be in charge of the defensive line.
Al Reams remains head coach of the Ninth-Grade Academy’s team, and he’s also the defensive coordinator and the linebackers coach. Bryan Hinson will call the plays for the team’s offense, Deion Green will be in charge of the defensive backs and Donald Pettigrew will oversee the defensive line.
“I’m really excited. I think, top to bottom, it’s as good a coaching staff that we could’ve put together,” Till said. “I think our JV staff could be a lot of people’s varsity staff. And our varsity staff brings a great wealth of experience and a ton of loyalty to our program. It’s just a blessing to be at a place where the tradition has been so strong.”
Spring practice starts Monday, May 15 and will go until Friday, May 26. Players can receive physicals on Thursday, June 1 and Sunday, June 4 before summer workouts begin Monday, June 12.
VARSITY COACHING STAFF
Bryan Till – Head coach / Defensive coordinator
Greg Williams – Assistant head coach (Offense) / Wide receivers
Hal Shuler – Assistant head coach (Defense)
Brad Denson – Offensive Coordinator / Running backs
Andy Shuler – Wide receivers
Milton Swinnie – Defensive line
Kemphis McSween – Offensive line
Eric Gould – Defensive backs
Jay Jones – Quarterbacks
Andrae Jacobs – Linebackers
Chris Larsen – Kickers
JV COACHING STAFF
Pat Hope – Head coach / Offensive coordinator / Offensive line
Mike McClure – Defensive coordinator / Inside linebackers
Ernie Purnesly – Wide receivers
Justin Jackson – Outside linebackers
Jason Willix – Running backs
William Fly – Defensive line
Chris Campo – Defensive backs
NGA COACHING STAFF
Al Reams – Head coach / Defensive coordinator / Linebackers
Bryan Hinson – Offensive coordinator / Wide receivers / Running backs
Deion Green – Defensive backs
Donald Pettigrew – Defensive line
IMPORTANT DATES
Fri, April 14: Spring Break starts, no workouts
Sat, April 22: Shrine Bowl Combine (Eastern Alamance)
Sat, May 6: Shrine Bowl Combine (Olympic)
Mon, May 15: Spring practice starts
Fri, May 26: Last day of spring practice
Thur, June 1: Physicals at 8 a.m. ($10)
Sun, June 4: Physicals at 8 a.m. ($10)
Mon, June 12: Summer workouts start
Mon, July 3-7: Mandatory dead period
Mon, July 17-21: Mandatory dead period
Mon, July 31: First official day of 2017 season
Wed, Aug. 9: Scrimmage at Cape Fear (8:30 pm)
Fri, Aug. 11: Carolina Preps Jamboree (TBD)
Fri, Aug. 18: First Game at Reagan (7 pm)
Reach sports editor Leon Hargrove Jr. at 910-817-2673 and follow the sports section on Twitter @RCDailySports.