Don Holston loves to coach and teach. That’s one of the mainreasons Holston accepted the position of head football coach atWest Lincoln.

Holston, 55, replaces Preston Gordon who resigned two weeks agoto become assistant principal at North Pike Middle School. Gordoncoached two years at West Lincoln, starting the fledgling programfrom scratch.

West Lincoln, long a bastion of basketball, began its footballprogram two years ago, immediately playing a varsity schedule. TheBears went winless in seven games the first year but beat Clarkdalelast year for their first varsity victory on recently completedPerry Miller Field.

A Lauderdale County native, Holston grew up in Mobile, Ala., andgraduated from Pritchard High School. He later graduated from theUniversity of Southern Mississippi in 1967. He obtained a Mastersdegree in coaching science from USM in 1977.

“I love coaching and I can’t get away from it,” said Holston. “Ilove coaching and teaching the kids.” He will teach seventh andeighth grade science.

Last year Holston coached the freshman team at Class 5A WayneCounty. He worked on the varsity staff which was under thedirection of Coach Robert Henry, a former college coach. Henry leftWayne County and took a job in Tennessee this year.

Holston coached 19 years at Mt. Olive, working as an assistantcoach and one year as head coach. Mt. Olive’s 1989 team, led byquarterback Steve McNair, won the state championship.

“West Lincoln is a good school with a lot of community support,”said Holston. “We are proud to be here.”

Holston and his wife, Dianne, have three grown children. Theyare looking for a home to rent or purchase in the West Lincolnarea.

West Lincoln started preseason practice last Monday and Holstonwas present for the opener. “We are young and inexperienced but thekids are working hard. We should have several more players whenschool starts,” Wednesday.

With 29 years coaching experience, Holston believes in basicfundamentals. “We will run a 4-3 defense and a multiple offense.We’ll keep the offense simple at first.”

Working as assistant coaches at West Lincoln are Luke Addisonand Randy Laird. “We have some fine young coaches,” saidHolston.

West Lincoln kicks off its season Aug. 25, hostingEnterprise.