Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 14, 1994 TAG: 9404140091
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Gray is the choice to follow John Caltigarone as coach. Caltigarone resigned after guiding Staunton River's program for two years.
It also was learned that Gar-Field assistant Jim Hall is the early leader for the Bassett job, with applications being accepted through May 1. Hall has interviewed for the job and left a favorable impression.
Gray, a Vinton native, was the head coach at Fieldale-Collinsville from 1984-87, when the Cavaliers were in the Group A Foothills District. He also was the wrestling coach at Fieldale-Collinsville. He resigned both jobs to enter private business with Tultex mills in Martinsville.
Gray returned to coaching three years ago as a part-time assistant to football coach Richard Savedge at Fieldale-Collinsville and as the Cavaliers' wrestling coach. He was phased out of his job at Tultex when the company cut its staff in January. Associates said Gray had made up his mind to re-enter coaching regardless.
Hall was a candidate for jobs at Franklin County and Patrick Henry when they were open in recent years. He has been trying to land a position at a Southwest Virginia high school. He has been a key member of a Gar-Field staff that has produced one of the top programs in the Group AAA Northwestern Region.
In another football move, Rockbridge County's Jamie Talbott is the second Timesland coach to turn down the chance to succeed Fred Stanberry at Group AAA Heritage in Lynchburg. Talbott, who according to sources could have had the job, removed his name from the list of candidates. Earlier, Liberty's Mike Scharnus refused to apply for the position, though he was considered the early leader.
Alleghany also is going to begin interviewing candidates to follow longtime boys' basketball coach Jimmy Smith, who resigned after the 1993-94 season.
Among those known to be interviewing for the job are William Byrd assistant Pat Paye, Salem assistant Richard Morgan, former Amherst County head coach Bill Dixon and Staunton River coach Eddie Carter. Danny Keene, the Alleghany girls' coach, also is a strong candidate.
by CNB