WESSON – Ronald Greer left something special behind when he gave up coaching football to become principal at Wesson Attendance Center eight years ago. Fast-forward to 2012 and Greer is returning to his former position of head football coach at Wesson High School.

     Greer, 46, replaces Tommy Clopton who announced his decision in late March to accept the position of head football coach and athletic director at Brookhaven.

     “We are exited to get started,” said Greer. “I’m like a teenage boy going on his first date.

     “I know I’ve learned a lot in the last eight years,” Greer continued. “The Good Lord has taught me a lot. I really believe this is what I’ve been called to do.”

     Greer coached the Cobras for nine years. He was defensive coordinator at Clinton for eight years prior to that, working under two exceptional head coaches, James “Booty” Sloan and David Bradberry.

     Copiah County Superintendent of Education Rickey Clopton said he was happy to hire Greer. “He did an outstanding job as coach in the past and I am confident he can do it again.”

     Clopton said Greer still would have a number of administrative duties, among them athletic director.

     Greer is a 1983 Brookhaven High graduate who was a center in high school. He played football at Copiah-Lincoln Community College for two years and transferred to Mississippi College where he obtained a B.S. degree in 1987. He completed work towards a Master’s degree in administration in 1995, while coaching at Clinton.

     Greer is married to the former Jennye Davis of Clinton and they have three children, two daughters and a son. Casey, 21, is a senior at Mississippi State University, due to graduate with a degree in elementary education Leah, 19, graduates from Co-Lin next month. Cullen, 16, is a junior at Wesson where he plays football and baseball for the Cobras.

     The departure of Clopton for Brookhaven unexpectedly opened a door of opportunity for Greer.  He said, “First of all, I didn’t know that this opportunity was going to arise. I thought about it and prayed about it.

     “The thing I have missed the most is the influence you have on kids. I have some positive things to offer in that relationship.”

     Greer said Wesson’s coaching staff would remain intact. “All of them told me they are staying with me. I had worked with three of the four previously.”

     Wesson’s football staff includes Phillip Knight, who coaches defense and linebackers; Ricky Gunter, wide receivers and outside linebackers; Hugh Knight, secondary and offensive backs; Seth Lofton, offensive and defensive lines.

     “I want to go through spring (practice)before I make any decisions on  coaching responsibilities,” said Greer. “We are going to run an option offense and play-action.”

     The Cobras start spring practice Monday, April 30. They will participate in a scrimmage against Magee on May 18, probably at 6 p.m.

     Last year’s Wesson squad finished 5-6 overall and 4-1 in the Region 6-2A race. Wesson lost 27-21 to North Forrest in the opening round of the state playoffs.

     Wesson’s first game of 2012 is at Crystal Springs, Aug. 17.