By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com
The Madisonville-North Hopkins athletic department announced the hiring of Jeremy Roach, a first-time soccer coach, on Monday to take over the position vacated by John Tichenor earlier this year.
Roach, a current North art teacher and swim assistant, will replace Tichenor, who accepted the soccer position in 1986. Tichenor accepted the Lady Maroons head coaching job when former coach Steve Shepard stepped down in February.
Although Roach, a 1997 Hopkins County Central graduate, did not play soccer in high school, he reffed at the club level as a student and said he has followed the sport and has a firm knowledge of its intricacies.
"As long as you have the coach in place, the support staff with you, these players ... play this game all year round," Roach said. "They know what they're doing, they just need a good coach that can get them there and focused."
Roach has assisted the North swim program for two years and worked from 2005-2007 as an assistant for the Maroon football team and will assume his first varsity head coaching position with his soccer hiring.
What Roach lacks in experience, he has already tried to fill with determination to assemble a solid staff.
Rufus Baker, whose son, sophomore Dylan Baker, plays for North, said he was surprised to hear of the hiring, but has taken note of Roach's immediate dedication.
Roach, a current North art teacher and swim assistant, will replace Tichenor, who accepted the soccer position in 1986. Tichenor accepted the Lady Maroons head coaching job when former coach Steve Shepard stepped down in February.
Although Roach, a 1997 Hopkins County Central graduate, did not play soccer in high school, he reffed at the club level as a student and said he has followed the sport and has a firm knowledge of its intricacies.
"As long as you have the coach in place, the support staff with you, these players ... play this game all year round," Roach said. "They know what they're doing, they just need a good coach that can get them there and focused."
Roach has assisted the North swim program for two years and worked from 2005-2007 as an assistant for the Maroon football team and will assume his first varsity head coaching position with his soccer hiring.
What Roach lacks in experience, he has already tried to fill with determination to assemble a solid staff.
Rufus Baker, whose son, sophomore Dylan Baker, plays for North, said he was surprised to hear of the hiring, but has taken note of Roach's immediate dedication.
"We were a little taken aback by it to begin with, but I've met coach Roach and he's already getting very involved," Baker said. "He's assembling a really good staff of assistant coaches. We may be just fine."
Roach said he has already hired former Maroon Jared Durbin, who played at Kentucky Wesleyan, to an assistant position and is looking at four or five other candidates.
With Tichenor now directing the Lady Maroons, Roach will be charged with the responsibility of maintaining a tradition of success on the boys squad. Since 2001, North has compiled a 117-39-14 record. Making the task even more difficult is the graduation of top two scorers Miles Durham and Rush Dugger.
Among the leading returners are keeper J.D. Lester, defender Austin Walker and forward/midfielder Robbie Hatchett.
Roach said he has already hired former Maroon Jared Durbin, who played at Kentucky Wesleyan, to an assistant position and is looking at four or five other candidates.
With Tichenor now directing the Lady Maroons, Roach will be charged with the responsibility of maintaining a tradition of success on the boys squad. Since 2001, North has compiled a 117-39-14 record. Making the task even more difficult is the graduation of top two scorers Miles Durham and Rush Dugger.
Among the leading returners are keeper J.D. Lester, defender Austin Walker and forward/midfielder Robbie Hatchett.
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