HogoOnline Exclusive: Interview with GW boys head coach, Joey Russell

An era of excellence has come to an end and a new face emerges as leader. Al Copenhaver has set an awfully high mark as long-time coach of the George Wythe Maroons, the Hogoheegee's boys basketball powerhouse. Now, Joey Russell takes the reigns on a program coming off of an epic state championship season. He was generous enough to take a time-out and lend some insight on just who this new head coach is for the Hogoheegee.com community. Check it out..

1. What is your high school and college alma mater?

H.S. – Chilhowie College – Mars Hill College

2. Thinking back on your high school sports career, what was your most memorable moment?

During my senior year, we defeated the first place ranked Castlewood Blue Devils in the second round of the Hogoheegee tournament to advance to the championship.

3. Is there a coach from your childhood or high school days who inspired you to become a coach?

Jeff Smarr, John Goodwin, and Jack Henderson

4. Have you had any other coaching jobs and what were they?

Head Varsity Baseball at GW for 9 years, Assistant Football at GW for 14 years, Assistant Basketball at GW for 14 years

5. You’re now taking over a perennial powerhouse program following the great Al Copenhaver. What are your thoughts toward this opportunity and how long have you wanted this job?

We graduated all our starters and we have a completely new staff. I guess I should be nervous but I am excited to begin the job I’ve been preparing 14 years for.

6. A state championship will be hard act to follow. Minus several key players from last year’s team, what are your expectations for this upcoming season?

We aren’t worried about last year. In fact, we don’t talk about it. We are preparing for this year. We have plenty of experience on the team and hope to make a run in the district and the region.

7. If you could put one team on the schedule that isn’t there now, who would it be?

I don’t know – I wonder who the Hogoheegee.com visitors would like to see?

8. Thinking back on the last several years of the Hogoheegee, are there any specific players or coaches that stand out in your mind?

Well, Al Copenhaver and the George Wythe Maroons, of course. Beyond that – the Hogoheegee has quality coaches; I respect each of them and what they are trying to do with their teams.

9. The competitiveness in boys basketball (top to bottom) in the Hogoheegee has somewhat dropped off from the last six or seven years. Do you see it regaining that competitiveness any time soon?

I would like to see it get more competitive again. I can’t predict when that will happen; the VHSL is going to re-align the size classifications soon. That change will really shake things up – it will be interesting.

10. Finally, since we are now in the information age, what online sources or internet websites do you use (if any) for high school sports?

I stay away from most online websites due to the negative postings regarding players and coaches. GW’s schedules (including changes due to weather, etc) are posted on highschoolsports.net by our athletic director and I refer to it often; that is probably the only one.

Thanks Coach, and good luck this season!