North Charleston coaches in limbo

High School football practice starts in 33 days, and the North Charleston Cougars are experiencing something of an identity crisis.

The football players, like the school's other athletic teams, don't know who their head coach will be for the 2009 season.

Jimmy Brown coached last year and has led them through spring practice, summer conditioning and passing leagues. But he and all of his assistant coaches haven't signed or been offered contracts for the upcoming academic year.

The reason?

North Charleston High School graduated approximately only 33 percent of its students on time last year, and on April 27, the Charleston County School Board voted to reconstitute the academically ailing school for the 2009-10 academic year. That means all of its estimated 100 employees had to reapply for their jobs if they want to return, and that included the coaches.

"All of the coaches have been rehired as faculty members," athletic director Joe Bessinger said. "But no one has been told or confirmed that they will return as a coach."

That includes Brown, who has enjoyed success as the football and girls basketball coach.

"Jimmy's working hard, has the kids motivated and everyone's working together," Bessinger said. "But I know Jimmy would like a vote of confidence."

Every coaching position, along with the athletic director's job, was posted on the High School League's bulletin board for job openings on June 16. On June 18, Louis J. Martin Jr., Associate Superintendent, Superintendent's Learning Community, Charleston County School District, said he hoped the coaching hires would be completed in seven to 10 days. But Bessinger said no coach has signed a contract.

On Monday, Juanita Middleton was named the new principal at North Charleston, and Bessinger hopes the hiring of coaches will be the next step in the reform.

"That's the first step," Bessinger said. "Hopefully it will be a step in the right direction."

Summerville HOF

The Dorchester District 2 Athletic Hall of Fame will induct seven people into the Summerville High School Hall of Fame on Sept. 25.

The inductees includes: Con Chellis, IV, Alison Sanders Cole, Brian Collier, Beth Long and Brion Rutherford.

Special award inductees include Saundra Guerard and Kenny Walker.

The Rev. Norman A.L. Ranson Sr. will be inducted into the Alston High School Hall of Fame.

The induction will be held at halftime of Summerville's Sept. 25 football game. All hall committee members and past inductees are invited to attend the pre-game ceremony, which will be held in the Spann Elementary cafeteria. A Hall of Fame golf tournament will also be held Sept. 25 at Miler Country Club.

Christian commits

Wando baseball player Kyle Christian has committed to play for Newberry.

He batted .350 this spring with three doubles and 12 RBIs.

He was 8-1 on the mound with a 1.86 ERA. He allowed 57 hits in 56 1/3 innings, striking out 45.

Reach Philip M. Bowman at pbowman@postandcourier.com or at 937-5592.