[Hoot Gibson]

A poor decision at this point in time could mean the key in the lock being turned for Tiger Football.

I agree but it may be time to roll the dice a bit and go after an outstanding, young assistant coach who knows how good programs are run and is willing to work hard to put Paintsville's program back on track. I would look closely at the staffs of teams like Johnson Central, Belfry, Prestonsburg, and Breathitt County. I would bet that the head coaches of those programs would love to see one of their own get a shot at rebuilding the Tigers' program.

Whoever they hire at Paintsville, the fans and administration need to have some patience and confidence in the new coach. Paintsville's enrollment is small compared to most Class A schools, which means that it will take a little more time to recover from the damage that has been done to the program than it would at a larger school. Everybody who supports the program needs to encourage Paintsville's best athletes to become football players beginning in elementary school. That, IMO, was Walter Brugh's primary key to success.