Athletic coordinator sets goals for NP
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 24, 2015
By Rupert Howell
Almost three dozen names were submitted and approved for different levels of employment during last week’s North Panola School trustees’ board meeting—but it was Coach Carl Diffee’s recommendation to be the district’s athletic coordinator that got the ear of trustees. Diffee has been at North Panola since he graduated Ole Miss in 2012, serving in various capacities including being an assistant coach under Derrick King.
The fact that he got green grass to grow throughout most of the football season at the school’s stadium got him an ovation during a previous appearance at the board.
As athletic coordinator, Diffee will tend to tasks similar to those of an athletic director.
District Superintendent Cedric Richardson went on to explain changes being made that should help the district grow both athletically and academically and stated again, “Our goal is to free up assistant principals for curriculum.”
Richardson’s comments led into Diffee’s presentation concerning the state of athletics at North Panola, a vision for athletics with potential goals.
Among the shortcomings cited at North Panola was the number of teams-Diffee noting that North Panola did well in most in which they competed.
He said most expansion of sport teams should fall on girls sports citing fewer opportunities there. He said upgrading facilities, establishing winning traditions, using feeder teams from the younger grades are potential methods to being successful.
Diffee also noted that retaining coaches, funding and community involvement all need to be included in a success formula.
“We are blessed with talent. Tons of talent. Our students are extremely talented,” Diffee said and noted, “success breeds success and we have momentum right now.”
Trustees nodded affirmatively to Diffee’s plan but board member Trosiki Pettis stated, “I like this vision but this position comes with accountability. How accountable should we hold you?”
Diffee responded stating that he had, “No problem,” being held accountable with trustee Pat Lamar stating, “We’re just hoping you stay with North Panola.”