Watt steps down as Post 11 coach

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on July 27, 2011 1:47 PM

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MOREHEAD CITY -- Disappointed with the season-ending loss, but not with the team's weekend performance, parents offered their appreciation and thanks to Wayne County Post 11 head coach Rob Watt late Tuesday evening.

Then Watt delivered a curveball of his own and announced he was stepping down after two seasons in the dugout.

"Very much so (a shock) ... had no idea," said Eric DuBose, co-athletics director for Post 11. "The kids have been lucky to have him. He has a great teaching ability and sternness ... is highly respected by the kids.

"We will miss his integrity and expertise that he brought to the program."

DuBose said a search will begin immediately for Watt's successor.

"I am missing too much time with my sons (Mason and Rowan)," said Watt, who is the assistant baseball coach at Mount Olive College. "I am spending all my time coaching other kids and not dedicating enough to my own family. I don't get this time back with my kids.

"With my schedule during the spring being so hectic, I miss a lot anyways. It might be nice to watch from the other side of the fence and just be a dad."

The seventh head coach in Post 11 history since 1978, Watt guided Wayne County to a 28-7 record this season and 43 wins during his two-year tenure. The team discovered its identity after early-season defensive troubles, earned its first Area I championship since 2008 and eighth overall in program history.

Perennial Area IV powerhouse Cherryville Post 39 defeated Post 11 in the N.C. Senior American Legion state title game. Wayne County is 0-6 all-time in the state finals with four losses coming against Post 39.

Watt gushed over the work his assistant coaches, Jason Sherrer and Jackson Massey, have put into the program. Sherrer turned a young pitching staff into a formidable group of hurlers in the final five weeks of play this season.

Massey coached the team during Watt's and Sherrer's absence when MOC participated in the 2011 NCAA Division II College World Series in late May. Massey was recently named the new head varsity baseball coach at Goldsboro High School.

"Jason (Sherrer) and Jackson (Massey) will continue to lead Wayne County to this type of success," said Watt. "I am very grateful to have been part of a program as respected as Post 11. There have been so many people involved with this program in the past like Doyle Whitfield who have remained strong supporters.

"I will always support and encourage players to represent Wayne County. I hope everyone understands my position."