CENTRAL REVIEWS FOOTBALL CANDIDATES

The search for a new head football coach at Cape Girardeau Central High School is progressing well and should produce a hiring in the next few weeks, according to Central athletic director Terry Kitchen.

Kitchen said that an original list of applicants has been narrowed to five candidates who are in the process of being interviewed.

"We think we have some very good football coaches who have applied," said Kitchen. "We're hoping by the end of next week to make a recommendation to the board of education and hopefully we'll have a new coach in by some time in early April."

Central became in the market for a new football coach when Jerry Dement announced his resignation in January.

Dement, who has remained at the school as a teacher and head track coach, compiled a 31-29 record in six seasons at the Tigers' helm. Central went 4-6 in 1998.

Kitchen said more than 20 people originally called and showed interest in the position.