Published: March 05, 2008 11:08 pm      

Compton to coach at Patrick Henry

TAZEWELL, Va. — Patrick Henry High School took a large step Monday toward success, naming Tazewell assistant and former Richlands All-State star Mike Compton head football coach for the 2008 season.

“I am enthusiastic about this opportunity,” noted Compton. “I’m a little nervous but very happy. This is uncharted territory for me. Sometimes a good player does not make a good coach and sometimes a good coach never played. There are no guarantees in this business.”

Compton, 37, has coached two seasons at Tazewell, as well as teaching health and physical education. He will replace former coach Tim Johnson.

“We congratulate Mike,” Tazewell principal Keith Hovis said. “We’re proud of what he’s done and wish him the best of luck. We’ll probably be on his sideline during our off-week this season.”

He will have the same assignments at Patrick Henry, a member of the six-team Hogoheegee District. The Rebels finished 4-6 last year with a 2-3 district record, including wins over Holston and Northwood.

“I like a challenge,” said Compton, “and I’m anxious to get to work with my new team and start working to get better.”

The Hogoheegee District also includes Holston, Northwood, George Wythe, Chilhowie, and Rural Retreat.

“We are very excited to add Mike Compton to our staff,” Patrick Henry principal Keith Perrigan was quoted as saying.

“He will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and excitement to our program.”

Compton may be taking over his new assignment by March 24.

The Rebels are eager to begin a new off-season conditioning program, and Compton is also anxious to meet with the coaching staff, parents, and boosters to begin preparation for the 2008 season.

Compton, a college center, was a consensus Academic All-American at West Virginia University where he played for Don Nehlen.

During a solid 12-year career in the NFL, the 6-foot-7, 310-pound lineman began his career with the Detroit Lions, where he was a key blocker during the heyday of all-star runner Barry Sanders.

Compton played for two Super Bowl champion New England Patriot teams in 2002 and 2004 and finished his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars in ’05.

“Mike was definitely a pleasure to work with,” Tazewell football coach Bobby Wyatt said. “He was an asset working with our offensive line, especially after we lost three starters at the start of the season after putting in the spread for this past year.”

Tazewell athletic director Tom Keene added, “He (Compton) is a great person to be associated with. We all wish him success in his new venture.”

Compton lives at Pounding Mill with his wife, LaTonya.