PREP FOOTBALL: James hired as new head football coach at GHS

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on June 9, 2017 7:02 AM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

Each time Elvin James steps on to the football field and puts on his headset, his first passion -- football -- burns deeply within his soul.

His spirit embodies it.

His heart?

That's a different story.

James didn't start his coaching career in his home state. His first two jobs -- over a three-year period -- were assistant positions at high schools in Denton (MD) and Montross (VA).

But his heartbeat quickened and his pulse raced when he accepted an assistant position at Goldsboro High School in 1986. Just to be able to roam the sideline on the hallowed ground at Cougar Stadium, a perennial powerhouse and factory of collegiate talent, seemed to be enough.

Two years later, James became the head coach.

After a 10-year stint, the collegiate game beckoned during the first decade of the new millenium. James dabbled with head coaching and assistant duties at Elizabeth City State and Livingstone College. Next came openings at J.A. Holmes in Edenton and Perquimans, where he resigned after the 2016 season.

And yes, you guessed it.

James is coming home.

"I have never actually wavered from Goldsboro," James said. "I've been away for a while. My love and compassion is still there. I had the opportunity to apply for other jobs in the state, but Goldsboro is the love that I've always had -- the kids, the school, the community.

"That's where I want to finish my career."

*

The pain-staking process to hire the eighth head GHS coach in program history since 1959 took more than five months.

A total of 40 coaches submitted applications in March that were reviewed in April, and narrowed down to nine potential candidates who had the correct teaching credentials. The final four were interviewed by a four-person committee -- a current Goldsboro football player and Wayne County Public Schools officials Dr. Michael Dunsmore (superintendent), Dean Sauls (assistant superintendent) and Yvette Smith (superintendent).

James' appointment was tabled to the Board of Education and approved on the consent agenda.

A Beaufort native, James succeeds Bennett Johnson, who stepped down in January under "amicable" terms with the administration.

"I want to thank the administration from the principal to the Board of Education that has given me this opportunity to come back and for believing in me," James said. "I'm truly grateful. I'm going to wave that flag because I'm proud of Goldsboro -- that big 'G.' I'm grateful that I get to come back home and make a difference in the lives of these young people."

*

James inherits a fractured program, one that's hit rock bottom and is on life support.

He believes it's because of the current culture, a haunting -- and disappointing -- stretch of losing games that's become contagious and nearly destroyed player morale. Goldsboro has manufactured just seven victories over the past three seasons and hasn't earned a playoff bid since 2012.

Is Johnson to blame?

Certainly not, contends James, who -- at one time -- also encountered the same experience in his younger days. He expects Johnson to bounce back, take another coaching job and succeed as he matures in one of athletics toughest businesses.

But time isn't on James' side.

He officially returns to campus June 19 for a meet-and-greet session with the players and community members. For the next six weeks, he'll familiarize himself with the players, coaching staff and begin to devise a playbook that best fits the strengths of his personnel.

The first official day of practice is July 31.

"I can't sit back and say, 'hey, we've missed all this time, we've got to get busy,'" James said. "I understand that we've got some coaches there who have done a great job of keeping those kids in the weight room and conditioning. It's coming in, putting a staff together and putting the offensive and defensive system in place.

"We don't have a lot of time to waste."

James faces three issues -- rebuilding the program, establishing discipline and instilling pride in wearing the old gold-and-maize uniform under the lights on Friday evenings during the fall.

He compiled 79 victories, won Mideastern 4-A Conference titles in 1994 and 1995, took nine teams to the playoffs and produced 82 athletes who signed scholarships on the Division I, II and JUCO levels during his previous stint at Goldsboro. Two played in the NFL -- Travis Coleman (Chicago Bears) and Tito Wooten (N.Y. Giants).

"From talking to the coaches, they know they've got talent so now it's about the structure, getting them to believe they can be successful," James said. "We have to correct the discipline, which has been a negative part. Without the lack of discipline, you're not going to win in anything. It's not about your feelings or my feelings.

"It's about establishing a strong program that the school and community can be proud of."

*

Another challenge.

Football carries with it life's lessons.

Not just wearing the uniform isn't enough.

It's not about the quantity of players on the team, but the quality of the product you put on the field and how it produces in the classroom.

James' thoughts?

"I believe that I'm a winner, not being arrogant or anything of that nature," James said. "You're not going to outwork me. You might be faster. You might be stronger. Through our work ethics, I hope it brings confidence. No, it's not going to be an over-night process.

"If you're willing to work, then good things are going to happen."

James isn't quite ready to reveal his complete offensive scheme.

Will he bring back the old-T offense, a misdirection style of play that causes opposing defensive coordinators headaches? Or will he employ a variety of I-formation packages where his backs may search for open real estate between the tackles or use their speed on the perimeter?

"Different flavors," James laughed. "But I do want a defense that can put 11 hats on the ball. I want them to be able to run, understand their assignment and execute. I have to get them outside the box because they have been comfortable in the box. They've just got to decide in their mind, 'I've got to push myself.'

"This is their program."

*

During a six-year period, Goldsboro re-established itself among the state's elite prep football programs.

The Cougars racked up 57 victories that included four conference titles -- Eastern Plains 2-A (2007) and Carolina 1-A (2009, 2010, 2012). Southwest Onslow defeated Goldsboro in the 2009 eastern regional 1-AA final.

"I want to give them the confidence and the hope to think 'we've got a chance,' and that's all they're asking for," James said. "We have to create the opportunity because it's not coming to us because we've got a lot of work ahead of us. I'm asking for a total commitment. I'm going to take them some places they haven't been in a long time.

"I'm going to push them beyond their capability. We're going to see results, I promise you -- even that first game (of the season). We're going to be ready."

Goldsboro launches James' coaching campaign Aug. 18 at Hobbton.

After non-conference play ends, the Cougars enter the highly-competitive -- and brutal -- East Central 2-A Conference that includes three-time reigning state 1-AA champion Wallace-Rose Hill. They'll also face James Kenan, Clinton, East Duplin, Midway and county foe Spring Creek.

Five of those opponents -- Kenan, W-RH, Clinton, ED and Midway -- have combined to play for 34 regional championships on either the 1-A, 2-A or 3-A level since 1972. The same group has compiled a total of 16 state crowns.

Daunting?

Yes.

"That weight room, that attitude and that conditioning is going to be very, very important," James said. "On Friday night, when we put boots on the ground, the other team is going to be putting boots on the ground. It's going to be a battle. You've got to be able to play. There's a lot of pride out there.

"We've got to bring some enthusiasm and I still have that passion."

And a burning desire to see his players succeed along with it.