Sports - February 2003

North Lincoln picks its first football coach

Southern Nash offensive coordinator to lead the Knights in their inaugural season

By TERRANCE THOMAS, LTN Staff Writer

February 14, 2003 - North Lincoln High School has named Southern Nash’s Alonzo “Lonnie” Custer IV as its first football head coach.

The Lincoln County Board of Education approved the hire of Custer Wednesday.

North Lincoln Athletic Director Scott Sekal said this is the man the school wanted to start its football program.

“He’s the man for the job,” said Sekal. “I want to build a family. He fits into our North Lincoln family very well. It’s a great opportunity for him. I’m excited to work with Lonnie.”

Custer has served as the offensive coordinator for five years at Southern Nash, which is located east of Raleigh.

This is his first head coaching post. He said he’s happy to have a chance to build a program in his personal style from the start.

“It’s wonderful,” Custer said. “It’s a new school and a great situation. It’s too good to pass up. I have a lot of new ideas and input.”

Custer said he thought his interviews with North Lincoln principal Rick Freeman and Sekal went really well. He was selected over eight to 12 candidates.

Custer’s offenses have broken 27 school records in his five years. On offense, he said he likes to “fling” the ball around. But he said you have to see what players you have before you can run a certain offense.

Last year, Southern Nash went 2-9 but broke rushing records with halfback Allen Atwater running for about 2,000 yards.

“Coach Custer has demonstrated his versatility at Southern Nash,” said Freeman. “(The way he coaches) is not a one-dimensional coaching style.”

Custer said there’s a lot of things to do as head coach of a new school.

“It’s a challenge,” he said.” There will be a lot of bumps along the road. Getting the equipment and dotting all the i’s and crossing all the t’s. We can jump right on it.

“I’m looking forward to coming in,” he said. “I think our community support will be outstanding.”

He’s no stranger to the area.

Custer, who is originally from Gainesville, Fla, played football at Gardner-Webb in Boiling Springs. In 1993 and 1995, he was named Honorable Mention All-American and was named Athlete of the year by the Charlotte Touchdown Club in 1995.

As a student teacher, he coached football at Shelby High School under Jim Taylor.

Custer’s wife is from Hendersonville.

One main reason why Custer was chosen as head coach was his reputation in academics and community work.

He has set up study halls after school and before practices for the athletes.

He’s highly regarded as a social studies teacher. He’s recorded the highest End of Course test passing rate for his department.

He also works with young people in drug awareness and serves as a mentor for underprivileged youth.

“I was especially impressed with his teaching records and the emphasis he has placed on the academic success of his athletes,” Freeman said.

Custer will have some of the problems that former North Meck football coach Scott Sherrill had last year when he switched to Lake Norman High School, which opened in the fall.

“Getting the coaching staff was tough,” Sherrill said. “ It’s a challenge. We had the players lifting at a local club in March. By June, we had all of the equipment from sleds to tackling dummies to video cameras to cleats.

“They put in the stadium grass before they built the school. By this time last year, the Bermuda (grass) was in.

“It was really exciting starting the program,” said Sherrill. “I designed the uniforms and the decals for the helmets. We had everything ready by late June.”

Custer will have his hands full. But, he said, it’s a great situation.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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