Sidney Wheatley wants to be closer to his family. That’s themain reason Wheatley has announced his resignation from the headfootball and baseball coaching jobs at Loyd Star.

Wheatley, 36, will finish the school year and coach the Hornetbaseball team. Loyd Star is the 2-time defending Division 6-2Achampion.

“It’s a situation where I can move closer to my family,” saidWheatley. “It’s an opportunity to explore some new schools andpossibly coach at a larger school.”

Wheatley’s family lives in Mobile, Ala. He has a 5-year-old son,Tyler.

According to Wheatley, he has discussed coaching positions withseveral schools, some of them in the Gulf Coast area. He looksforward to coaching Loyd Star’s baseball team this spring.

This was Wheatley’s second year as head football coach and thirdas head baseball coach at Loyd Star. The Hornets went 10-1 thispast football season, winning the division championship after going3-7 the previous year. His baseball team has won the Division 6-2Atitle the last two years. The Hornets advanced to the second roundof the state baseball playoffs in 2003 and only lost 2 seniorstarters off that squad.

“I told my kids it was a hard decision,” said Wheatley. “I’vegrown to know a lot of people here. These kids are special tome.

“I appreciate everything the people have done for me,” saidWheatley. “They are very supportive. It’s a great place tocoach.”

Wheatley graduated from McLaurin High School and played footballat Mississippi College. He transferred to the University ofArkansas-Monticello where he played baseball and football.

After college, Wheatley spent 3 1/2 years in the Air Force. Hestarted coaching and teaching in Demopolis, Ala. He coachedbaseball and football at Union High School for two years beforecoming to Loyd Star where he coached under Anthony Hart for oneseason.

Wheatley arrived at Loyd Star in 2001. He teaches social studiesat the school.

“We should have a good year in baseball,” said Wheatley. In twoyears the Hornets are 43-19 on the diamond.

Loyd Star makes its diamond debut Feb. 20, in the SeminaryTournament, facing the Mize Bulldogs.

Wheatley complimented his assistant coaches. “I reallyappreciate the work of Johanthan Breakfield, Josh Thibodeaux andRandy Delaughter. I wish them the best.

“I told the kids I’ll do my best to keep up with them,” saidWheatley. “I’ll keep reading the paper to keep tabs on them.”

Wheatley was twice recognized as The DAILY LEADER’s LincolnCounty Coach of the Year in 2003 for his teams’ accomplishments inbaseball and football.