WESSON – Coach Rusty Newman of Wesson might be short in stature but his passion for the game of basketball is huge.

     “I was born with a bone disease that hindered my opportunity to participate in sports in school,” said Newman. “I had four leg surgeries, two on each leg. This is the main reason I decided to be a coach because I have a passion for sports, especially basketball. I wanted to be able to use my story to motivate kids not to take their abilities for granted because the opportunity to participate is truly a blessing.”

     Newman and his Wesson Cobras accomplished an amazing 2011-12 season. The young Cobras had no seniors to provide leadership but they were inspired by hungry juniors, sophomores and freshmen that finished the season with a 22-10 record.

     The Cobras scratched and hustled through the regular season and finished second in the Region 7-2A race and in tournament action.

     After finishing runners-up in the district championship, the Cobras earned the right to host their first opening round playoff game in the Snake Pit against Eupora.

     Wesson walloped the Eagles 72-61 and continued to march through the playoffs, before being eliminated in the South State semifinals by Bay Springs.

     For his efforts, Newman has been selected The DAILY LEADER’s All-Area Boys Basketball Coach of the Year for the 2011-12 campaign.

     Newman gives all the credit to his team. “The guys came together and played well as a team. They gave me 100 percent effort each and every game.

     “I am extremely proud of them and what they have accomplished,” continued Newman. “We exceeded our own expectations and the community’s.”

     Newman, 31, a 1999 Wesson graduate, returned home to his alma mater in 2010 to coach boys basketball, after coaching and teaching elementary physical education at Lawrence County and South Pike.

     Newman has the responsibilities of coaching both the high school and junior high programs. “I am from Wesson, so of course my heart is in this school,” stated Newman. “My main goal is to create a basketball program that will compete year in and year out.

     “I also enjoy being in charge of the junior high program because it allows me to instill my methods in the kids at an early age. By the time they reach the varsity level they know what is expected of them..

     Newman commented on the administrative support, “The support is great. They stand behind me and support what I do, which allows me to run a great program.”

     What does he like most about coaching?

     Newman answered, “The excitement of the game and the opportunity to work with kids and teach them about the game. I try to motivate and encourage kids to believe in themselves and to push beyond expectations. I try to help them see that they can be or do whatever they put their minds to.”

     Newman attended and graduated from Southern Miss with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, plus the endorsements of health, science and social studies.

     He teaches tenth grade world history and health at Wesson.

     Newman is happily married to his wife, Sarah. They are the proud parents of one boy: Dayne, who is 4-years-old.

     In his free time, Newman’s hobbies are spending time with his family, softball and basketball.

     DeAngelo Coleman and Dquerius Bullock, the DAILY LEADER’s All-Area Co-Most Valuable players, were members of Newman’s junior high team when he coached at South Pike. They were happy to hear that Newman was being recognized for his coaching skills.