By Myra Bean

North Delta has made some major moves in its coaching staff this semester.

The move of Dan Werner back to the Ole Miss coaching staff started a changing of the guard in the coaching world at North Delta.

Last week, headmaster John Howell Jr. completed the restructuring of the athletic department.

Former boys head basketball coach Brad Wilson was named the athletic director and high school principal.

“I have been needing help in managing the school,” Howell said. “Coach Wilson has over the last two summers been finishing his administrator credentials so he has been moved to a principal position to help. Now he is going to be assigned the big job of being our athletic director. He will be working with the coaches insuring professionalism there, help manage our money there, helping us with all of our events during the sporting season. So he will come in and help me in a management capacity.”

Wilson is completing his seventh year as a coach at North Delta and has the distinction of being the veteran coach at the school.

“He looks at sports as a tremendous ministry opportunity,” Howell said. “We hope he will share with other coaches how to impact a student.”

Wilson said personally he is excited about the opportunity.

“I am honored and grateful John has given me this opportunity,” he said. “I am eager to keep the school going in a positive direction. I am excited about working with the other coaches on a different level.”

Duke McCrory was replaced as head baseball coach by Panola County native Jeff Walls, who coached at Washington School in Greenville the last three years.

“No one is happier about us returning to Batesville than we are,” Walls said.

Walls is a former South Panola football and baseball player. He also played at Northwest and Delta State. He is planning a baseball camp for younger children. More will be announced when he finalizes dates.

Walls will also be an assistant football coach along with head coach Brandon Ciaramitaro and newly appointed offensive coordinator, Harrison Nickle.

“He (Nickle) is on the fast track there due to Coach Werner being in his life and a mentor for him,” Howell said. “He will be given the job of keeping the same offense that we have been running because of working under coach Werner.”

Nickle has also been named head coach of the junior high boys and girls teams after serving as Wilson’s assistant for five years.

“He loves this school and it is his home,” Howell said. “It all came together and I am excited about how it is going.”

Former athletic director Phil Douglas is going to part time status and will head coach the varsity girls and boys teams.