Central, Jackson swap several coaches throughout summer

Central was caught looking for yet another coach after losing assistant football coach Tatum Kitchen to rival Jackson early last week.

The move happened just before the start of football practice and marked the second Tigers coaching exodus to Jackson this summer. Head volleyball coach Maile Gannon left the Tigers earlier this summer to take over the Indians' program.

The Tigers hired a Jackson coach of their own this summer, tapping Jackson assistant Drew Church as their head basketball coach following Derek McCord's resignation.

Ironically, the opening Kitchen took at Jackson was opened by Church's departure, according to Central athletic director Mark Ruark.

"It's kind of bordered on ridiculous," Ruark said with a laugh. "I can guarantee you it was not by design. We didn't hire a basketball coach because they hired our volleyball coach, but it's funny how things work out."

With football practice already underway, Ruark has had to work hard to try to fill Kitchen's post.

Ruark said Friday they were ready to recommend a coach who would fill the position pending board approval.

"We're very excited about who we're recommending," Ruark said.

While the Tigers appear to have their football coaching staff back in order, they are still searching for a basketball assistant. Along with McCord, the Tigers also lost basketball assistant Will Johnson over the summer.

"I really think it's important Drew [Church] gets a good assistant coach so he can hit the ground running," Ruark said. "So we'll take our time and hopefully get a good fit for us."

Young signs with Jefferson College for next season

Central graduate Lance Young has signed to play baseball at Jefferson College next season.

Young was the Tigers' No. 2 pitcher his senior season, finishing with a 5-2 record and a 2.23 ERA. Offensively, Young hit .343 for the Tigers. Young was honorable mention all-conference and was a first-team all-district player.