Chris Whitaker
AMERICUS — The process to find Americus-Sumter’s next football coach began Wednesday.
With more than 100 applications, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Valerie Roberts said the interview committee should have a list of prospects to interview by Friday’s end.
“They will try to narrow down who it is they’re going to actually look at interviewing,” said Roberts, who does not have a vote in the process. “We will hopefully have identified the people we want to interview and how many to interview.”
Americus-Sumter is looking to replace Mark Wilson, who resigned Dec. 10. He was also the school’s athletics director. However, Roberts said the two positions were advertised separately.
Of the applicants, she said about 12 have both experience as a head coach and athletics director.
The panel is made up of seven members in the community — six male and one female — chosen by the superintendent, and Roberts said each member has the focus on one thing.
“We have a process that is clear in that people who have invested interest in this position will keep the focus about children,” she said. “I am about children, and the whole child and the appreciation of athletics.
“We’re interested in bringing somebody here that is good for children, good for the community and provide academic support as well as the athletic aspect.”
The panel hopes to set up interviews for all next week and to present the two finalists at the monthly board meeting on Feb. 11.
“We want someone who will rally our community,” said Roberts, who has spent the past 23 years in the school system as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal and now assistant superintendent. “I remember the days when Americus was winning — anyone who wanted to rob Americus, they could come during the football game. Then, we had to stand in line forever at the local restaurants. It was good for the economy and a way to bring the community together.
“We want to rally some energy in our schools, and I think that’s what the committee is dedicated to doing. We want to move the program forward and work to make sure the boys and girls get the best from both the academic and athletic programs.”
