This story has been updated Wednesday, March 20 at 2:45 p.m., to reflect information recently provided by Central High School Athletic Director Rebecca Koger.
Central High School head football coach Ryan Sulkowski announced Tuesday morning, March 19, that he is leaving the Red Raiders and the school. His last day is April 15.
Sulkowski will be taking the head coaching job at Hunt High School in Wilson, NC, where he will be also be working as assistant athletic director. Sulkowski said part of the motivation for the new position was proximity to family.
"My wife, daughter and I have loved our time mentoring athletes at Coffee County over the past five years," Sulkowski said in a statement. "We love the kids and community here in Manchester, but the timing was just the right time to get closer to family in North Carolina."
He will assume coaching duties at Hunt High School on April 15.Â
"I want to thank Dr. Joey Vaughn for giving me the opportunity to mentor some amazing kids," Sulkowski said. "We will miss the entire Manchester and Coffee County community."
Sulkowski was hired in December 2013 and finished five seasons at CHS with a total record of 11-41.
CHS Athletic Director Rebecca Koger released a statement Tuesday, March 19, thanking Sulkowski for his work with the team.
"We are very appreciative of Coach Sulkowski's efforts on behalf of our student athletes. He has made important contributions in his roles as football coach and athletic director. He worked hard to make our programs better and provide opportunities for our athletes. He was a tireless advocate for his players. We wish him well in his future endeavors."
Koger said that the job opening for the head coaching position was released Tuesday afternoon on the district website. The opening was then added to the TSSAA website Wednesday, March 20.Â
Koger further stated that the goal is to begin interviews the week after spring break and have a new coaching hire completed shortly after. As of now, there are also no plans for an interim head coach in the meantime.Â
The Raiders plan to continue preparing for the 2019 season as scheduled. In her statement, Koger added that Sulkowksi's departure will not impact offseason workouts.
"Despite rumors to the contrary, after-school, off-season workouts for our football squad continue," Koger said. "We have taken steps to ensure that the workouts continue. Our football program is a tremendous asset to our school and community and we have not, nor would we, put it on hold."
On Thursday night, the CCCHS Red Raiders scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to lift them over Moore County 7-6 in the first game of the Crethan Hansert Classic.
After losing their first district game of the season on Monday, the CCCHS Red Raiders beat Warren County 3-0 on Tuesday night for a season sweep of the Pioneers.
On Monday, the Coffee Middle Lady Raiders scored three runs in the seventh inning to beat Lincoln County 5-4, and the Westwood Lady Rockets lost to Community 12-3 on Eighth Grade Night.
