WESSON – Opportunity knocked and Keith Case answered the door. The former Copiah-Lincoln Community College head baseball coach has accepted a similar position at Wharton County Junior College, located in southeastern Texas, about 50 miles from Houston.

“We are excited,” said Case. “We are leaving our comfort zone but sometimes you need to get invigorated.”

Case, 52, elected to leave Co-Lin after 21 years at the helm. He said he was looking for another challenge in life, either in or out of coaching. He explored several opportunities and elected to stick with coaching baseball.

“I’m anxious to get there and see what players we have,” said Case. “I’m excited to see how we match up with some of those teams.”

Case replaces Javier Solis at the helm of Wharton baseball fortunes. Solis guided the Pioneers to a 19-33 overall record last season and his contract was not renewed. They were 6-24 in Region 14. Wharton is a NJCAA Division I member.

“We have missed the whole recruiting season,” said Case. “The conference is tough.”

San Jacinto, Alvin and Blinn are the three dominant powers in the conference. Wharton provides athletic scholarships in baseball, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s rodeo.

Case said his interviews with the Wharton administration and search committee were encouraging. “I was looking for a place like I felt I was supposed to be. I was real comfortable with the people. We have prayed about it. We hope this is where we need to be.”

Clay Smith, a former Co-Lin player who coached 10 years at Belhaven University, was hired to replace Case in April.

Case said he has a busy schedule ahead of him. “I have to get in touch with all the players and hire an assistant coach. I have to find a place to live.”

There is an abundance of athletic talent in Texas. Houston is the fourth largest city in the country.’

“We have unlimited recruiting,” said Case. “We are looking for guys who will buy into our program. A lot of the guys we’ve had over the years bought into our program at Co-Lin and became successful players.”

Case said he was looking for a pitching coach to complete his staff. His wife, Susan, is a registered nurse at KDMC and they have two daughters. Ras will be in eighth grade. Maci will be a senior cheerleader at Southern Miss this fall. She played tennis and cheered at Co-Lin.

Case has compiled over 615 wins in his coaching career. His 2000 and 2005 teams advanced to the NJCAA Division II World Series. The Wolves finished No. 4 in the nation in 2005. His final edition finished 17-28 overall and 5-19 in the South Division.

“There are a lot of wonderful people at Co-Lin and Co-Lin will always be home to us,” said Case. He is a Lawrence County native.