West Lincoln's Hoover resigns

VALE — West Lincoln is looking for its fourth football coach in seven seasons after the resignation of Mark Hoover.

Hoover resigned Monday after two seasons, including a 1-10 record this season. The Rebels completed their season last week and have a bye this Friday.

“I just decided for personal reasons to spend some more time with my family,” Hoover said. “I’ve been doing this a long time and this has been a hard year for me. It’s time to take some time off.”

Hoover, 35, said he plans to remain a social studies teacher at West Lincoln.

The Rebels finished the season with a six-game losing streak after beating North Wilkes 44-0 on Sept. 14 for their only win. West Lincoln finished last in the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A Conference with a 6-0 record. The Rebels went 4-7 in Hoover’s first season, including a 4-2 mark in the SPC for a second-place tie.

“I’m tired out and it’s time,” Hoover said. “It’s time to take a little break. I’ve been doing football every year non-stop since I was a little kid and it’s time to take a fall off, I think.”

Prior to his stop at West Lincoln, Hoover had coached two seasons at Chatham Central in Bear Creek.

Hoover had replaced Randall Gusler, who left after one season. Prior to that, Butch Parker coached for three seasons.

West Lincoln hasn’t posted a winning season since 1986, although the Rebels did go .500 in 1993 with a 5-5 record.

You can reach Phillip Gardner at (704) 869-1843.