SNOW HILL -- Kenneth Grantham is coming home -- and he's bringing the option offense with him.

In a brief ceremony Wednesday afternoon, the 40-year-old Grantham was introduced as the seventh head football coach in the 46-year history of Greene Central High School -- from where he graduated in 1985 and where his father, Spence, served as the head football coach for 23 years until retiring in 2003.

"It's an awesome responsibility on my part," Grantham informed an audience that included school administrators, faculty members and coaches, boosters, players and parents. "I look forward to the challenge."

Grantham, the head football coach in the first six years of Nash Central's existence, indicated the defensive concept will not change much under the direction of current assistant coach Andre Quinerly, but noted: "We will see what type personnel we have, but we will run some form of the option."

The spread offense was prominent during the tenure of Jim Bob Bryant, Grantham's predecessor. Bryant resigned to become the head football coach at Havelock High.

Grantham's resignation at Nash Central will be effective at the end of the current school year. In addition to coaching football, he will teach weight training.

PROUD DAY FOR RAMS

Wednesday's ceremony marked a proud day for Greene Central administrators.

Bledsoe turned his attention to the football players and told them: "He is going to make a tremendous impact not only in your lives, but in the lives of the school and the community."

Later, Bledsoe informed the media: "I'm excited. This is a young man who has worked his way to becoming a high school coach. He was solid in the two schools where he was around student-athletes.

"He is coming back here to give back to the school and community. For years, we will look back and be glad he came back here to coach."

Athletic Director B.J. Bass added: "The interview committee had a big challenge to find the right fit and the right coach. We have a coach who possesses the qualities of leadership, character and teammanship -- if that's a word. I'm pleased."

"This is great news," said Greene County Schools assistant athletic director Russell Brann. "We knew what we were looking and that was a person of character, ethics, commitment, loyalty and knowledge of the game.

"That's a tall order, but we feel we have found all those qualities and more. We feel like we've got a winner."

Greene County Schools Athletic Director James Fulghum was represented in a statement read by Brann.

"A quality person coming to a quality situation equals success," Fulghum stated.

GRANTHAM'S BACKGROUND

While completing his education at East Carolina University, Grantham helped his father at Greene Central for three seasons.

His first head coaching post was at 1-A Camden County, where he spent 12 years. Grantham's teams there twice reached the third round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association playoffs.

Then to Nash Central, where Grantham compiled a 31-32 record in five varsity seasons. His Bulldogs, members of the 3-A NEW 6 Conference, reached the third round of the playoffs in 2006 and 2007.

Grantham is married to the former Roberta Byrd of Fayetteville, and they are the parents of two children -- Darby, age 6; and Wyatt, age 3.

The new coach for the Rams of the 2-A Eastern Plains Conference admitted he was content with his situation at Nash Central and the outlook was promising for next fall. However, he agreed to visit Greene Central and meet with and listen to the interview committee.

"It was the first time I had been back to the school in a long time," Grantham said. "I was really impressed with Dr. Bledsoe. It was a really good experience the first time I talked with them, and one thing led to another.

"It seemed like a good change, a good challenge. It's sort of strange how it all worked out. They just made me feel really comfortable and really good."

FATHER SHOCKED

Spence Grantham laughed and acknowledged he was shocked upon learning his son could possibly become the next Greene Central coach.

"I had no indication he was looking to make a move," remarked the elder Grantham, who considers his son an excellent student of the game.

Added Kenneth Grantham's wife: "It all happened so fast."

In a period of less than three weeks, Kenneth Grantham accepted the position. Influencing his decision was a staff that included Quinerly, his high school teammate. His assistants will also include his father.

"We are going to see if we can get a couple more good years out of him," Kenneth Grantham quipped.

The Rams' new head coach assured he is proud to follow his father's path, but pointed out: "I really didn't think about that a whole lot at first. It's sort of eerie, but I hope it's a good part of it. He was here for a long time, legendary I guess. It can be intimidating at times."

Grantham, who played football and baseball at Greene Central, mentioned that his first year will be all about survival, but emphasized: "I like to win."

He suggested the offensive transition will be a slow process and reminded: "You win ball games by playing great defense."

FACILITIES, PERSONNEL

Greene Central's facilities are not as modern as those at Nash Central, but Grantham observed: "They have put time and energy into improving the facilities. That proves people do care."

Regarding the personnel that awaits his direction, Grantham reasoned: "Greene Central has always had tough-nosed kids that play hard. This school has always had quick kids that get after you.

"The Ram pride that I had was a great period in my life. Just to be able to come back, instill the same values and have the same type of success is a wonderful opportunity for me."

Sophomore running back and linebacker Aaron Harper became wide-eyed and excited when asked his impression of the option offense that was Nash Central's signature.

Harper also assured Bryant was popular with his players and described the coaching change-over as "good and bad." Grantham has met briefly with prospective players.

"But we've still got to move on," the Rams' leading 2007 rusher said. "It's new faces, new times. (Grantham) knows the tradition and Ram pride. And he'll have a dominating team."

hammer@wilsontimes.com | 265-7809