MCFERREN EXPLORES CHS JOB, WITHDRAWS

Legendary high school basketball coach Lennies McFerren told the Southeast Missourian Friday that he was interested in the Cape Central head coaching job, but took his name out of consideration because Central didn't have a non-coaching position to his liking.

"It wasn't the coaching job," said McFerren, referring to why he removed his name. "But everything that went with the coaching."

McFerren said earlier this year that he resigned from his coaching post at New Madrid because he couldn't keep pace with his coaching and administrative duties. He is an assistant principal at New Madrid.

McFerren, who resigned at New Madrid County Central this past year after winning his second straight state title at New Madrid and his ninth state title overall, said the idea of coaching one class size bigger intrigued him.

"Just the challenge of going from a 3A school to a 4A school was exciting," McFerren said. "That's what interested me. Going up a level is an opportunity any coach would want at one time or another."

McFerren, 51, is one of the state's most successful coaches.

A member of the state's basketball hall of fame, McFerren established his legend while at Charleston High School, where he led the Bluejays to seven state championships. He has more than 525 wins.

McFerren would've certainly faced a rebuilding process at Cape Central. The Tigers went 7-17 last year and 8-17 the year before that. But there is a lot of potential a year or two away.

The vacancy was created when Brett Reutzel accepted a coaching and an A+ coordinator position at Fredericktown High.

Cape Central athletic director Terry Kitchen wouldn't comment on the status of McFerren or any other potential candidate, but seemed rather frustrated because, at the present time, his hands are tied.

"We've got a lot of interested people," Kitchen said. "It's just hard to match up the teaching position. We have no teaching positions open. Right now, I'm just kind of sitting here."

Kitchen said unless a position opens up, the school will promote from within the program.

Other coaches said to be interested in the job include Kevin Williams, who, in his first year at Caruthersville High last year, led the Tigers to the quarterfinals. Williams' brother, Steve, is the baseball coach. Kevin Williams, a Central High and Southeast Missouri State University graduate, also assisted Gary Garner at Southeast.

Dick Wadlington, a former Central head coach who had some success several years ago, is said to be interested as well. Currently, he is an assistant basketball coach and Central's golf coach.