BUDE – After 24 years as head coach of Franklin County Bulldogbaseball, Johnny Monroe has stepped down from the tradition-richposition to spend more time with his family and friends. He plansto return as the offensive coordinator for Franklin Countyfootball.

“Time was the main factor in my decesion,” said Monroe. “It wassomething that I’ve been thinking about, ever since last year. Ifelt that football will keep my competitive drive alive and take upless time than baseball.”

Monroe, 49, retired from the position after serving 24 years ashead coach of the Bulldog diamond program. Over his 24-year stay,Monroe compiled 428 wins and 206 losses while with the Bulldogs.Monroe earned coach of the year honors in 1999 as MississippiAssociation of Coaches Coach of the Year. He also compiled 20playoff appearances, 17 district titles, and four south statechampionship appearances.

Taking over the Bulldog reigns for Monroe will be longtimeveteran Ed Zumbro Jr. Zumbro served as head coach of the Bulldogsduring their glory years from 1970-1976. During that time Zumbroled the Dawgs to a Class A championship in 1973 and several playoffand district title appearances.

I’m excited about it,” said Zumbro about taking back over theBulldog baseball program. “We’ve got a lot of work to do betweennow and next year. We lost seven seniors, so scheduling shouldn’tbe a factor.

Zumbro, 57, a 1966 Mississippi State graduate, will be assistedby current junior high head coach Wade Wilson, a Co-Lin andSouthern Miss. alumnus.

Zumbro and Monroe both agree that the game of baseball hasreally changed from the late 1970’s to now with more promotions andbetter year-round leagues for talented and younger players.

“The game’s really changed,” continued Monroe. “The summer andfall league promotions have really helped strengthen the game a lotthrough the years.”

When Monroe was asked about his fondest memories as Bulldog headcoach he points to his 1985-1986 squads as far as advancement andhis 1998 squad as far as talent.

“Looking back, the 1985-1986 teams were both equal, as bothadvanced to the Class 3A South State championships. The 1998 teamthat lost to eventual state champion West Lauderdale in a threegame heart-breaker had the best overwhelming talent.

“I’ll always be a baseball coach,” added Monroe. “Baseball’s afunny game and I loved coaching these 24 years at FranklinCounty.”

Monroe will return to the gridiron for spring drills Mondayafternoon as the Bulldogs gear up to host the sixth annual CellularSouth Spring Jamboree, May 18.

Monroe served as offensive coordinator from 1985 to 1999 beforestepping down to focus more time on baseball in 2000 and 2001.