Look, I'm not trying to tell the ME-GA 7 conference coaches who they should vote for conference coach of the year. There are a lot of great candidates. Jim Oddo of Catholic won another league title. Barry Shuford of Olympic built a team into a contender that should've surprised a lot of people.
But my pick for the conference coach of the year would be West Meck's Jeff Caldwell.
Now in his third season, Caldwell has given West Mecklenburg its best season since 2007, when the Hawks were 8-4.
West Meck (8-3) plays at Sweet 16 No. 14 Hough (9-2) in its opening round N.C. 4AA playoff game Friday night at 7:30.
Caldwell's first team in 2010 was 2-9. The year before he got there, West Meck was 1-10.
Caldwell's second team was 4-7 in 2011. Returning 12 starters from that team this year, including 6-4 junior QB Jalan McClendon, Caldwell thought West Meck could compete for a conference championship this season.
The Hawks finished third in the league behind Catholic and Olympic, but Caldwell appears to have West Meck firmly headed in the right direction.
If West Meck can beat Hough Friday, it would be the most wins by a Hawks team since West Meck (then called the "Indians") went 10-1 in 1988.
That's why if anyone asked me who I'm voting for in the league coach of the year race, I'm leaning -- heavy -- towards Caldwell.
West Meck year-by-year records since 1988 (provided by Carolina Preps)
2011: 4-7
2010: 2-9
2009: 1-10
2008: 5-7
2007: 8-4
2006: 4-8
2005: 3-9
2004: 8-4
2003: 1-10
2002: 6-6
1999: 1-9
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3 comments:
Great Article.. This is what you call having a Coach and Players who believe in each other and care for each other. Not suprised when I see his name pop up on the great things he's done. He's been doing it all his life. Helped mold me(his own brother) into who I am today!
Good Job Bro and see you Fri night on the field as usual. Open up that Can and leave nothing in!
Go Hawks!!
Great Job Jeff! This is your Uncle Timmy all the way from Pittsburgh Pa, I'm proud of you and I hope they do vote you in! You deserve it, not because we're related, it's because of the person you are and it takes a lot to turn a program around like you did! If anyone could do it,I knew it would be you! It all starts from the home and great parents! I love you and Good Luck. Uncle Timmy
Great Job Coach Caldwell, you and the team have worked very hard to achieve this goal.. You can see the chemistry on the field and feel the energy in the stands… Thanks for being who you are…Continue doing an Awesome job, it has impacted all those around you… Go Hawks!!!
-Kelly
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