GAYLESVILLE – Kolby Brannon was looking to get closer to home, so when a teaching position that also includes the boys basketball and baseball head coaching duties opened at Gaylesville, it was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse.

“It’s what I’ve been looking for,” the 26-year-old Brannon said. “Living in Centre, it makes it tough going to Valley Head every day. ivermectin pyrantel side effects I loved the people I worked for, but it was just a long drive. Coming back closer to home, it just feels right. I can do more with the sports I’m doing because I’m not making an hour drive (to Valley Head).”

Brannon brings a passion for baseball and college mentality to the Trojans. After graduating from Boaz, he started off playing shortstop at Marion Military Institute. He then moved to Lawson State and played for a year, starting at third base. He then signed to play at Miles College, where he played two seasons and won a conference championship with the Golden Bears in 2017 as the starting shortstop.

“A big deal for me was getting to come back and coach baseball,” Brannon said. “Me and my son (Brady), that’s what we do through the summer. I coach travel baseball with his 8-and-under team. That was my first love sports-wise.

“My first couple of years I was worried too much about winning. Now, I want to focus more on doing things the right way, playing the game the right way. The wins will take care of themselves when you start doing that. It starts with the little things, even just sitting your glove down the right way, loving the game and showing the game the respect it deserves. It’ll reward you in the long run if you do that.”

Brannon joins youth coaching movement within Cherokee County, which includes Jim Nelson at Cedar Bluff, Will Smith at Cherokee County, Cody Short at Sand Rock, and Cole Murphy at Spring Garden.

“Looking around the county, I know Cole Murphy and I played 8-and-under together. Jim Nelson, I love him to death. He’s one I can say who mentored me through the first year (at Cedar Bluff) when I was helping him. I have so much respect for Jim. It’s funny because he’s kind of the old guy now out of this county. It’s changed pretty quickly. I can’t stress how important Jim was to me that first year.”

Brannon’s baseball background doesn’t mean he’s not experienced with basketball. He was an assistant coach at Valley Head under Andrew Isbell.

“I’m very familiar with most of them (Gaylesville players),” Brannon said. “There are a couple of them I’ve got to get out there who need to be playing. We played against them last year and I watched them play a lot on film.

“One thing’s for sure. The style of play is going to be a little different this year. ivermectin mosquito trial We’re going to adopt the same system we had at Valley Head. If nothing else, it’s going to be a very entertaining brand of basketball. I feel like if we do things the right way the wins will come. I’ve looked at our schedule. Our schedule is pretty tough, but it’s more important that we focus on what we’re doing. If we run our system correctly, then things will take care of themselves.”

Brannon is anxious to get to work.

“I’m excited,” he said. “I already like what I see from some of them. what is differrnce ivermectin soolantra I’m going to be around it in football too just to know everybody. I’m going to help out where I can, just to try and build a rapport with the kids before we get into basketball season, so they know me and I know them and they know what to expect.”