Papich hired to lead middle school football team
By Lori Cathey
Gibson County Special School District administration and the middle school athletic department recently announced the hiring of Neal Papich as the Middle School Pioneers head football coach.
Papich will begin his fifth year as the ninth and 10th grade guidance counselor at Gibson County High School this fall.
“I’m truly blessed and excited to get this opportunity to lead this program. We’re going to intensify the program to get middle school players prepared for high school,” said Coach Papich.
Papich takes over for Stephen Powell who resigned earlier last month after five years with the program.
Papich is already familiar with the Gibson County football program. He has served as an assistant coach for the middle school team for two years and for the past three years as a GCHS assistant coach. Papich worked for the Madison County School System for four years and was the assistant football coach for three years before coming to Gibson County.
The Pioneer Quarterback Club recently held a meet and greet for Papich and his coaching staff. Coach Papich introduced the new assistant coaches Reggie Moffat, of Kenton, and Daniel Irvine, of Medina. There were over 30 people in attendance at the QB Club sponsored event. Everyone enjoyed great refreshments and meeting the new coaching staff. Quarterback Club President Dale Pugh thanked everyone for coming out and reminded them of the upcoming events.
Middle school football practice will begin Monday, July 9 at 3:30 p.m. at GCHS. Practice will be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at GCHS. The Pioneers will play in a jamboree at Dyer County Aug.11 at 10 a.m. The Pioneers open their 2018 season on Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Trenton and will face Greenfield in their home opener on Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
