WESSON – An opportunity to enter private business has led to theresignation of Copiah-Lincoln Community College head football coachDave Cross. He submitted his resignation to Co-Lin president Dr.Howell Garner on Tuesday.

Cross, 42, served one year as head coach. He was at Co-Lin forseven years, working as defensive coordinator for five years. Hereplaced Phil Broome who resigned after five years at the helm.

“It was a real quick deal. I had a job opportunity in sales thatI couldn’t pass up,” said Cross. “It’s a good move for me and myfamily.”

Cross will work for a recycling company and maintain hisresidence in Wesson. The company, Metso, is based in Finland.

Last season Cross guided the Wolves to a 5-4 record, including avictory over archrival Southwest.

“Co-Lin is a great place to coach,” said Cross. “It has a greatadministration.”

Cross said Garner and Co-Lin athletic director Gwyn Young were”very supportive of my decision.”

A Starkville native, Cross graduated from Mississippi StateUniversity in 1983. He has a masters degree in administration. Hecoached seven years in Alabama before coming to Co-Lin, including astint at Marion Institute.

Co-Lin begins preseason practice Aug. 13. The Wolves play theirfirst game Sept. 5, hosting Itawamba Community College.

“We hate to see Coach Cross leave,” said Young. “He had a goodfirst year and had things moving in the right direction.

“This was a bombshell dropped on us,” Young continued. “We aregoing to look at the situation and see which direction we shouldgo. We don’t want to make a rush decision.”

Co-Lin recently hired Laurin Collins as offensive backfieldcoach, replacing David Armstrong who went to Samford (Ala.)University. Line coach Dave Poinsett has been promoted to offensivecoordinator at Co-Lin.

Cross coordinated Co-Lin’s defense. Calvin Green coaches thesecondary and Charles Sutton coaches receivers.

“All our guys on staff did a good job coaching,” said Cross.

“I’ve been coaching 15-16 years, so this will be a big changefor me.”

Garner was out of town Tuesday and unavailable for comment.

Cross is married to the former Sherry Tanksley of Louisville andthey have two children, Kristen, age 14; and Kyle, 9.