SOUTH POINT – Brent Wilcoxon is switching hats.

Saturday, February 17, 2001

SOUTH POINT – Brent Wilcoxon is switching hats.

Wilcoxon, the former head basketball coach at Symmes Valley, has been hired as the new head football coach at South Point.

A former assistant football coach at Symmes Valley and Chesapeake, Wilcoxon takes over the job vacated by Brent Terry who returned to Spring Valley, W.Va.

The Pointers were 6-4 last season but lose eight starters including quarterback Jarred Smith, the school’s all-time leading passer.

"I’ve been thinking about getting back into football, and I started brousing through my old material. This came along a little sooner than I thought," Wilcoxon said.

Although Wilcoxon was the head basketball coach at Symmes Valley, he has a strong background in football.

Wilcoxon served two years at Logan, one year as a graduate assistant at Ohio University, two years at Richmond County, N.C., two seasons at Warren Local, three years at Chesapeake, and worked on a volunter basis for two years at Symmes Valley.

Richmond County won back-to-back state championships and is considered one of the best

"There are some parrelells. Coaching is coaching. There are some differences. I think all my experiences coaching basketball and football will help me.

Wilcoxon served as a graduate assistant at Ohio University and was an assistant for two years at Richmond County, N.C.., which won back-to-back state championships.

Athletic director Jan Keatley said Wilcoxon is a welcomed addition to the program.

"We’re excited to have someone of his quality," Keatley said. "He’s a quality individiual and he’s committed to being here. He’ll be here a long time and build a good program."

Wilcoxon was an All-Ohio quarterback at Ironton where his clutch passing helped lead the Fighting Tigers to the Class AA state championship in 1979. He also played in the annual North/South All-Star Game.

Lynn Schrickel, who was an assistant coach at Ironton when Wilcoxon played, and Jack Nelson have agreed to serve as assistant coaches.