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Former area players enjoying success at EMCC |
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Thursday, 15 October 2009 |
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By Kenneth Mister
Daily Times Leader Former area players and current EMCC football players Holden Coggins (Oak Hill), Quartney Cox (West Point), Chris McFarland (West Point), Phillip Dimino (West Point), and Avis Shelton (West Point) pose for a group picture. Each of the players have played a vital role in the Lions 2009 success.
By Kenneth Mister
Daily Times Leader
Area players transition to college football
When you leave a consistent contender like West Point, the constant hunger to win can become not only a way of life, but it can become contagious. Entering the fieldhouse daily, one expects to contend for the state title. Luckily for the coaches at East Mississippi Community College, the winning expectations from the Green Wave and Oak Hill Academy alumni have spread like the H1N1 virus.
With five area players on their roster, EMCC has ascended to one of the top junior college teams in the nation. Following a 49-20 win at Coahoma Community College on Oct. 1, the Lions hold the lead in their division and boast a 5-1 record.
Currently, the Lions roster is home to former West Point Green Wave players Phillip Dimino, Avis Shelton, Quartney Cox, and Chris McFarland. Also, former Oak Hill Raider Holden Coggins is the Lions starting long-snapper.
Although they cannot suit up for their former high school squads, their love and passion for their alma maters has yet to diminish.
Lions kicker/punter Dimino said he has attended all but one Green Wave game. Unlike other fans, however, you will not find Dimino in the stands. You can catch on the sidelines passionately motivating current Green Wave kicker/punter Kwame Williams.
"I told you you could it," he said during West Point’s 39-20 homecoming win over Gentry. "Look how far you kicked (the ball)."
Dimino, a liberal arts major, said he is proud of West Point's performance this season and hopes they can improve from their 2008 campaign.
"Last year was a re-building year," he said. "But it looks like they've gotten back on track and I hope they can make a run this year."
Through the first four games, Dimino is averaging 36 yards a punt and 4-of-6 on extra points.
Before their Sept. 17 loss to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, the Lions were ranked No. 2 in the polls. Being in the spotlight can be a daunting experience, Dimino said.
"When you're the No. 2 team in the nation, there's always a bull's-eye on your back," he said. “Last year they were the No. 2 team and we knocked them off. It was a hard fought game, but we couldn't make as many as they did."
Despite the Lions crushing loss to Gulf Coast, EMCC has quickly bounced back with wins over Northwest and Coahoma. One of the prime reasons for their success has been Dimino, Lions special teams coach Ed Holly said.
"He has done a little bit of everything," he said. "Whenever we need someone in a clutch situation, he is there."
Holly said Dimino has adjusted well to college football and he expects a lot of the West Point native.
"How he goes in special teams is usually how we go (as a team)," he said. "When he has a good night punting, he puts the defense in a good position."
However, Dimino is not the only Clay County native Holly has the pleasure of coaching. Lions freshman long-snapper Holden Coggins also is a part of the praised EMCC special teams.
The 6-foot-5, 295 pound former Oak Hill standout has made an outstanding impression on Lions' coaches, Holly said.
"He has been a blessing," he said. "We searched the state high and low for someone like him."
Coggins, who played baseball his first year at EMCC, can thank a very special high school coach for his abilities as a long-snapper. While at Oak Hill, Coggins was mentored by Tom Goode, a West Point native who went on to win a Super Bowl.
One of the many aspects Coggins excels in is timing, Hollly said.
"Timing is very important in punting," he said. "He gets the ball off in 2.1 seconds and that's why we haven't had any blocked punts."
Coggins began his EMCC experience playing baseball in 2008. However, after being recruited while attending an EMCC basketball game, he joined the football team. Nowadays, Coggins has let baseball go and focuses solely on football. The transition seems to be working well, Coggins said.
"God gave me a football body," he said. "I hope to see myself playing at the next level."
All five players agreed on the biggest difference between high school and college football.
"The game is a lot faster," former Green Wave Chris McFarland said. "And there are better athletes in college."
Dimino agrees.
"The speed of the game is so much faster," he said. "You have players in JUCO that are D-1 players, but they just didn't qualify (academically)."
Through the first four games, McFarland accumulated 24 tackles, six pass deflections, and a forced fumble. McFarland is part of a defense who has only given up 20 points twice out of six games. He has a very special talent, Lions coach Clifton Collins said.
"He's physical," he said. "He's a big guy who can run and he plays the deep ball well. He's a guy that can also play safety."
While McFarland holds down the secondary, former Green Wave players Avis Shelton and Quartney Cox anchor the Lions offensive line. The sophomore linemen have been an important factor in the Lions success, EMCC head coach Buddy Stephens said.
"Avis and Courtney provide leadership up front," he said. "They are two great young men who have the talent to play at the next level."
The 6-foot-3, 320 pound Shelton said despite a busy schedule, he has found time to keep up with his former team.
"They are throwing the ball a lot more than when I was there," he said. "And they beat Noxubee. That was a good win."
Wins like the one West Point had over Noxubee County is one reason Stephens said he continually recruits in West Point.
"West Point has been very good to us," he said. "The young men from West Point have been very good. (Chris) Chambliss does a great job. And players go on to bigger and better things."
Not only have the players impressed the coaches on the field but also off the field. Not only does Dimino give the current Green Wave kicker pointers, but he also assists in coaching baseball in the summer. One day his efforts could lead to a career in coaching, Dimino said.
“Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be back (coaching) at West point,” he said.
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Win,win,win,see you in Jackson Ms, for the playoff. - Rev Nudennie Moore
GO BIG GREENWAVES! LETS BRING HOME THE CHAMPIONSHIP. - Anthony Tallie
I wish u guys the best season - Joshua Lee Go green waves and win, win, and win. - Rev Joe Smith GOOD LUCK WEST POINT SWIM TEAM!!! I hope yall have a great
season this year! Even though I'm not there, I'm cheering ya'll on up here! - Brandon Berry Go Green Wave! Keep up the good work. - Robin Birmingham C/O '96
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