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Lewis County names Hughes to lead Lions football program
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By CHUCK HAMILTON nSports Writer
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There has been a change at the top of the Lewis County High School football program.
Following the recent resignation of head coach Brandon Combs, who accepted a similar position at Fort Knox High School, the Vanceburg school announced Friday that Josh Hughes will take over the reins.
Hughes served as an assistant coach under both former head coach Corky Prater and Combs for the past four and a half years. He also is in his second season as the school's baseball coach and said he will continue in that position.
Athletic Director Jimmy Lykins said Combs, whose teams compiled a 3-17 record during his two-year stay at Lewis County, was leaving to be closer to family.
"Brandon felt that it was the best decision for himself and his family," said Lykins. "He was great to work with, he's a young man with high morals, and he instilled a lot of positive work ethic, not only as football players, but as people as well."
Lykins expects a smooth transition for the 27-year-old Hughes, who played baseball and football at Lewis County, and currently teaches arts and humanities.
"First of all, Josh is one of the best teachers we have here at Lewis County High School, the students really like him and we feel he can increase the numbers of students who will want to play football," Lykins said. "He was one of the top applicants when Brandon was hired two years ago. He's a Lewis County boy through and through, he loves the school and the community and wants to see the program thrive. He's willing to visit the kids in their homes and talk with their families about being a part of the program. We had a number of interested people inquire about the position, but we feel Josh is the right person for the position at this time."
Hughes, a 2003 Morehead State University graduate, is grateful for the opportunity and eager to get started.
"I'm excited, anxious and ready to get rolling in June," Hughes said. "I guess my first official duty will come bright and early Saturday morning, when we hold the biggest fund-raiser of the year for the football program, our golf scramble at Kenton Station Golf Course."
Hughes said he and his wife, Kimberly, are thankful for the support given them by the administration and community.
"The people here have always been so supportive to us," said Hughes. "A lot of kids have expressed an interest in coming out for football and they're excited. I've known these kids for quite a while and coached some of them when they were freshmen. I want to help as many kids as possible succeed and hope that wins will come from that. I know it won't happen overnight, but I am very optimistic. We have great facilities, a new field and weight room, and hopefully, if you build it, they will come."
The new head coach said he had many positive coaching influences and role models while growing up in Lewis County.
"No doubt my biggest influence is Corky. I learned most of what I know about football from him and he is football in Lewis County. His brother, Allen, was my elementary coach, and he and David Stafford were also mentors. Just the way they handled kids and they did it for so long, I had to learn from them," said Hughes. "My baseball coach, Larry Riley, was also a key influence, as well as all the people who have been here for years, such as Gary Kidwell, Mr. Eddington and Leland Roberts. They have always been there for me and this is a great place to work, because of people like them."
Hughes' football philosophy will be what he knows best, the offense he learned while playing and coaching under Prater, with Combs' passing attack in the mix as well.
"Well, Corky's offense is embedded in my head, after learning it from the time I could play football. But the passing game opened my eyes to new possibilities and we have a good quarterback (Andy Downing) coming back, so the offense will be a mix of both," Hughes said. "Defensively, I like to blitz and make the opponent's offense uncomfortable and make them make decisions."
Hughes realizes the difficult task ahead as he prepares the Class 3A Lions for the 2008 season in District 3-7.
"It's a real solid district, with powerhouses Russell and Mason County. Both East Carter and West Carter will always play you tough and Fleming County is always a challenging rivalry game on our schedule," he added. "We definitely have our work cut out, but we have a good core of returning players and we expect to make the playoffs." |
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Reader Comments
Comments are limited to 200 words or less.
LCHS STAFF wrote on May 20, 2008 6:54 AM: " congradulations Josh you deserve it.
my only conceren is with the demands of both jobs will one sport or the other suffer?
with the baseball teams in our region playing summer and fall baseball where we are not we will fall further behind with the focus of summer football workouts. "
Larry Tammy Ashley wrote on May 17, 2008 3:12 PM: " Congratulations!!!! "
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