NEWPORT-After a revolving door of baseball coaches at Cocke County High School over the past six years, the newest man to accept the job wants to help lay a solid foundation for the baseball program at the school.

David Crawford, who coached football at the school in the 2006 and 2007 seasons before resigning, has accepted the school's baseball head coaching job. The job became vacant last month after the abrupt resignation of Larry Lindsey.

Crawford resigned the football post the week after the conclusion of the 2007 season, but stayed on at the school in his teaching capacity. He also currently serves as a volunteer assistant for the Carson Newman Eagles football squad on Ken Sparks' staff.

Crawford said while he did not pursue the job for the baseball program, he was happy to take on the role of the program's head coaching position to begin to lay expectations and create an atmosphere conducive to the success of the baseball program.

"Since we got here in the spring of 2006, the program had six coaches in five years, it's been a revolving door," Crawford said. "When there is that much change in leadership no standards or expectations are set and kids are left wondering what is going on."

Crawford also said the decision to accept the position was based on creating an atmosphere that would allow young men to be more willing to enjoy baseball and to be able to excel at the sport.

"I wanted the kids to be in an environment where they could excel; not only as a player but as a person," Crawford said. "We want to create an atmosphere where kids enjoy to play ball and practice."

Crawford took the job after an unsuccessful stint at the school's football coach over a two-year period. His tenure as football coach hit a rocky road with numerous off the field concerns raised during his second season, including being confronted by parents off the field.

"What replaced those concerns was the way we were treated by the community ever since. This is home," Crawford said. "(Taking this position) gives me the opportunity to give back to a community that has been kind and gracious to our family."

The hiring of Crawford completes the baseball coaching staff for 2009-2010. Assistants Andy Chrisman and Jacob Lemons were hired two weeks ago and have been conducting strength and conditioning sessions for the team.

Crawford said the two assistant coaches within the program will enable the baseball team to be enthusiastic and disciplined.

"Their enthusiasm is ageless and they love the game," said Crawford, who also noted that both coaches are local and want to see the Cocke County program be successful. "They played in good high school and college program and express and love and passion for the game they are now passing on to the players. That's shown in the three weeks they've been together.

"They are organized, energetic and bringing discipline to the team and program," Crawford said.

Cocke County High School athletic director Casey Kelley says the hire of Crawford was one that made sense for the school. Kelley noted the organizational ability of Crawford as being one of the strong suits for hiring him.

"When we looked at the situation, (Crawford) met the criteria we were looking for," Kelley said. "He is able to do a lot of things behind the scenes as a head coach that a lot of people don't see.

"From buying uniforms, organizing transportation and officials and following correct accounting practices, we felt he would be a good fit to go along with the assistant coaches we have hired," Kelley said.

Kelley also noted the short time frame and the lack of no teaching positions within the school system to hire someone.

"We did not anticipate a resignation of this position," Kelley said. "Without any teaching positions available, coach Crawford became someone we felt would be a good fit. He has a vested interest in the success of Cocke County High School baseball."

Crawford also thanked Kelley for his support in getting the process rolling on facility upgrades at the school's baseball field.

"Coach Kelley has been instrumental to expedite and get the process started with the upgrade of facilities," Crawford said.

He also had other thanks to distribute amongst the administration of the school system and county recreation department.

"Mr. (Manney) Moore has been nothing but helpful and lending support to our baseball program and (Cocke County High School principal) Larry Williams has been helpful to provide direction to the baseball program," Crawford said. "Brian Evans has also helped to initiate and organize field maintenance with our stadium and facilities."