Dickson County promotes Newberry to head softball coach

Dickson County softball has found their new head coach, and it didn't have to look far for him.

The school announced Wednesday that assistant softball coach Bert Newberry has been promoted to be the new man in charge for the Lady Cougars.

"He's been around," said Dickson County Athletic Director Jay Powlas.

"He's been our volleyball coach. He's a good guy. He knows the program, knows the girls. We're excited."

Newberry was a part of the Lady Cougars' four consecutive trips to the Class AAA state tournament finals from 2013-2016 as former coach Shane Buchanan's right-hand man. With Buchanan's departure to take the same job at Independence, Newberry helped run the team during the summer. 

"It's not like you're bringing in somebody new," said Powlas.

"(The team) knows him well, and respect him. That makes for a smooth transition for the girls, and for an AD, I've worked with him before, and he knows what's expected. I'm fortunate that I've known Bert for 25 years. The transition is easier for everybody."

The Lady Cougars went 20-19 this past season, finishing as the District 11-AAA runner-ups.

Reach Andy Simmons by email jasimmons@gannett.com or on Twitter @AndyDHTN