Jackson Massey takes over North Lenoir baseball program

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 12, 2016 1:49 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

La GRANGE -- Since its return to the 2-A classification three years ago, North Lenoir has reclaimed its powerhouse status on the baseball diamond.

The Hawks' resume looks like this -- 50 total wins, three consecutive Eastern Carolina Conference regular-season crowns and an appearance in the 2014 eastern regional championship series.

The program lost its head coach more than a month ago.

Now, Jackson Massey is ready to command the Hawks' Nest after receiving approval from the Lenoir County Board of Education.

"I felt like it was the right decision for me," said Massey, who spent the previous three seasons at Southern Wayne.

"North Lenoir has a good baseball program, a good history. It was tough to leave Southern Wayne because they've always been special to me and I think we were going in the right direction, but I felt like this was one of those opportunities that I couldn't pass up."

Massey guided the Saints to 20 total victories and a first-round playoff win in 2014. His 2016 squad cobbled out seven wins in 22 tries. Nine of those outcomes were decided by two runs or less.

His departure leaves spots open on Southern Wayne's football and baseball staffs. A timetable to find Massey's replacement has not been determined, according to Saints athletics director David Lee.

The SW administration will work closely with Dr. Michael Dunsmore, superintendent of Wayne County Public Schools, to find a successor. Lee indicated a few coaches have contacted the school about the baseball opening.

"The major sport that (the opening) is tied to is baseball, so we want to make sure we find someone who is going to work hard and be a good fit for the program," Lee said. "I don't want to rush into a decision. Southern Wayne has a long baseball tradition and I think we need to do those (previous) players and coaches justice by getting the best candidate we can in there."

Massey understands the expectations of fans and players in the rural communities that surround North Lenoir. They anticipate putting a state-title contender on the field each season.

The history proves their passion.

North Lenoir emerged as the state 2-A champ in 2005 and 2006, and finished runner-up in 2007. The Hawks have reached the eastern semifinals on three other occasions and experienced just two losing seasons since 2005.

The tally? A 160-85 ledger.

"Their winning tradition speaks for itself," Massey said. "I'm going to carry out my philosophy like I've always done. The kids are used to winning. We're going to go after it from day one. Regardless of what your record is, you have to have that culture and mindset that you're going to win.

"It's been there for a while at North Lenoir."

Massey hopes to keep it going.