Coaching searches continue as Dowell transfers

By by: R. Garry Glenn

Posted 1:11PM on Wednesday, January 9, 2002

GAINESVILLE- Gainesville High has won one and lost one in football in recent days without playing a game. On Monday, Gainesville had to embark on a search for a new head football coach in the wake of Steve Wilson's resignation to return to Furman University as defensive coordinator. On Wednesday, Gainesville Athletic Director Wayne Vickery confirmed that outstanding West Hall running back Damien Dowell's family had moved into the city school system area, and Damien and two younger sisters had enrolled in the Gainesville school system. While the move surprised almost everyone, Vickery said the people at West Hall assured him Dowell was a fine young man in addition to being a good football player, and if Damien plans to play any spring sports at GHS, Gainesville will make sure all the rules concerning transfers are followed. Dowell rushed for almost 1,000 yards (961) averaging over six yards (6.1) per carry, and scored 11 touchdowns in helping West Hall to a 7-4 record and a playoff appearance for the second straight year. As for Wilson's resignation, even though he knew what was about to take place, Vickery suggested he's still somewhat in shock after the fact. "I just can't believe that Steve Wilson is not gonna be around anymore, " Vickery said. "If I coulda just went in there and closed the door and cried, I would of cried, 'cause I think that much of Steve Wilson." Vickery said Gainesville is not under any kind of deadline like the college situations that have come open recently because of the recruiting season getting underway, and will take their time. He did not want to name any names that have applied, but did say they will look at people on their own staff as well as outside applicants. He anticipates closing off the application process on January 31, or February 1, and make the announcement of their recommendation at the first city school board meeting in February. He also said the Gainesville job is attractive, adding that he doesn't think any high school in the state has nicer facilities than GHS. "Great gymnasium-one of a kind. Beautiful brand-new $12 million school. Great place to play football on Friday night, " Vickery pointed out. "We've got a lot to look forward to. I think the future is very bright at Gainesville High School. We're just gonna see what shakes out here in the next 15-to-20 days." Meanwhile, the search for a head football coach at the new Flowery Branch High continues after veteran Jeff Davis out of Franklin County first accepted the job, then resigned, citing family concerns. Flowery Branch principal, Dr. Mark Coleman, said now he is taking "somewhat of a little different approach." Coleman said that several current head coaches in the metro Atlanta area had expressed interest in the job,as well as some top assistants-offensive and defensive coordinators. "I'm going to try to look for someone that will commit for the long haul; to build a program over several years, and also one that will be a good fit for our community, " Coleman said. He said he hopes to be able to make a recommendation to the county school board within a couple of weeks. Johnson High is also in the market for a new head football coach following the resignation of Gary McCroskey late last year.