Three new head coaches were hired at the most recent Franklin County Board of Education meeting.

Greg Winstead finds himself back in a familiar role as the head softball coach of the Phil Campbell Lady Bobcats. Winstead coached the Bobcats from 2001–2009. He was also the coach who helped Phil Campbell begin the transition from slow-pitch to fast-pitch softball.

“I am excited to be back coaching softball,” said Winstead. “I look forward to helping the Lady Cats be the best team they can be. I want to thank Mr. Riddle for his faith in me to get the job done.”

Winstead replaces Kelby Daniel, who stepped down from the role in the spring.

Kamri Fleming will take over the Tharptown softball program after the abrupt departure of Carmen Whitfield.  Fleming already serves as the school’s head volleyball coach.

“I am excited to take on softball this year,” said Fleming. “I think this upcoming season is going to be a good one for the girls. We have a lot of starters coming back. We will be a little young in some positions, but a lot of those girls have a year under their belts. I look forward to getting started in January.”

Anthony Oliver was hired to be the Vina head basketball coach. Oliver replaces Talon Thomas, who resigned the position. Chandler Allen was hired to replace Thomas at the June FCBOE meeting but took another job in Decatur soon after.

“I look forward to meeting with the players and building up the program,” said Oliver. “I believe we need to establish a middle school program for the boys and work on building a foundation for the future. Every day will serve as an opportunity to build on the day before, and I believe if we do that, we will be a strong program.”