C.B. Aycock officials close to hiring new football coach

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on February 11, 2013 1:47 PM

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The search is winding down for a varsity football coach at Charles B. Aycock.

Athletics director Charles Davis said more than 40 applicants showed interest in the position, which became open in late December when Randy Pinkowski officially announced his resignation that had become public knowledge via the Internet.

A four-person committee, which includes Davis and CBA principal Dr. Earl Moore, will whittle the pool of candidates to three. The committee hopes to name Pinkowski's successor in March.

While Davis didn't reveal the questions the committee asked potential coaches, he and Dr. Moore appeared more than pleased with responses they received. The coaches who interviewed understand the importance of connecting not only with the players, but also with the community.

Strong ties lead to a successful program.

Most sports at Aycock have been playoff-caliber on the local, regional and state level. However, the football program has struggled to achieve that status and has never advanced past the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association playoffs.

The Golden Falcons' lone championship, according to records obtained by the News-Argus, occurred in 1981. Aycock shared the Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference title with Ayden-Grifton and SouthWest Edgecombe.

The new coach has the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and hopefully bring in football-minded assistants who can help breathe fresh air into a program that hasn't sustained a consistent level of competitiveness. Most of the candidates, according to Davis, have said they'll encourage their players to participate in other sports.

They also realize that hit-and-miss seasons are unacceptable.

High school football has become a business. Gate receipts easily cover the bills if a consistent conference -- and state-title -- contender is put on the field every season. Community supporters become more willing to assist in purchasing equipment or improving facilities.

Winning helps put fans in the seats on Friday evening, which leads to revenue at the concession stand. Fans are more apt to buy gear -- T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other items -- to show their school spirit and support of their team.

It's time football joined the rich -- and winning -- tradition established by other sports at Aycock, which has always been embraced and appreciated by its community.