WESSON – David Poinsett has been named the new head footballcoach at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. He replaces Dave Crosswho resigned last Tuesday to enter private business after one yearat the helm.

“We are confident that Coach Poinsett will continue to lead ourprogram in the right direction,” said Co-Lin president Dr. HowellGarner. “He has a knowledge of the coaches, players andsignees.”

Poinsett was hired to coach the offensive line before lastseason. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in the spring whenDavid Armstrong left for a position with Samford (Ala.)University.

“I’m excited about the job,” said Poinsett. “I think thefortunate thing here is what Dave Cross did last year. We had a 5-4season and we could have been 7-2.

“We did he right things with the kids. We had success and took astep in the right direction.

“We have a great coaching staff here,” continued Poinsett.”Lauren Collins will be a great addition to our staff.”

Collins was hired last month to replace Armstrong. Collins washead coach at Northeast Community College for five years beforecoaching at Brookhaven High last season as offensive line coach onAndrew Hickman’s staff.

Charles Sutton, receivers coach, retired two weeks ago after 30years in education. Calvin Green will remain on staff as defensivesecondary coach.

Poinsett said a defensive line/linebacker coach must be hired inthe near future. He said Co-Lin athletic director Gwyn Young wascurrently interviewing candidates for the vacancy.

Co-Lin kicks off preseason drills Aug. 13. Players report Aug.12.

“We have some individuals who should be very big contributorsthis season,” said Poinsett. “We have a good group comingback.”

Co-Lin launches its season Sept. 8, hosting the MississippiDelta Trojans. “We’ll find out in a hurry how good we are,” saidPoinsett.

Poinsett is married. He and his wife, Tonya, have a 10-month-olddaughter, Michelle.

Prior to joining Co-Lin, Poinsett served as offensive linecoach, recruiting coordinator and financial aid/admissions liasonat Mars Hill (N.C.) College and at Newberry (S.C.) College.

Poinsett has a B.A. and M.A. in social studies from theUniversity of South Carolina. He was Lineman of the Year at SouthCarolina in 1987 and was named to the All-Decade 1980s team. He wasPalmetto Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1993-94.

He also played professional football with the Charlotte Baronsof the MLFS.