South Effingham High School will move quickly to fill its head football coaching vacancy, Principal Dr. Mark Winters said.

The goal, Winters said, is to have a candidate’s name ready to submit to the Effingham County Board of Education at its March 3 meeting.

“If we can get some applicants in and get the interviews turned around quickly, it’s a possibility,” he said. “We want to have someone in place for spring football.”

The position became vacant when Greg Manior agreed to take the head coaching spot at Screven County High School. Manior’s hire was approved by the Screven County school board Thursday night.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a long time,” he said. “My years at South Effingham were great, and the last eight years have been wonderful. “ just think it’s time for a new challenge.

“After eight years, I feel I need a new challenge.”

An Effingham County High School graduate, Manior played collegiately at North Carolina State University. He also was head coach at Savannah High for two seasons.

Manior was at SEHS for eight years, serving as an assistant under Bob Herndon before taking over prior to the 2006 season. In four years at the helm of the Mustangs football program, Manior compiled a 23-18 record.

During his tenure, the Mustangs earned their first playoff appearance in 2002 and captured their first subregion championship in 2006.

“We had a lot of firsts at South Effingham in my time there,” Manior said. “Through the years, we’ve put a stamp on the program and kinda put South Effingham on the map.”

Winters praised Manior’s efforts in building the Mustangs’ football program.

“He definitely has built a strong program,” he said. “He’s gotten support from the community. He’s gotten business support. It’s just a wonderful, solid community program.”

Manior said he talked with Screven Principal Brett Warren a while back, and Warren was intrigued with what Manior had to offer.

“It’s a tough situation. There were rumors for a long time,” Manior said. “It’s a relief that it’s done. I know the kids will be receptive of whoever it is.”

The Gamecocks were 5-5 last year and made their last playoff appearance in 2007. They won the 2002 Class AA state championship, finishing 15-0.
Screven County’s head coaching position became available when Pat Collins opted to return to Southeast Bulloch.

“I think that they have a good program, and I want to see what I can do with it,” Manior said.

Winters said he and SEHS athletic director Travis Dickey will determine who they want to bring in for an interview and form an interview committee.

“I think we will attract quality applicants,” Winters said. “We’re a competitive school in all sports. We have such a strong, supportive group of parents. I get comments about that all the time.”

Because there aren’t any other teaching slots available right now, it is unlikely Manior will bring many, if any, of his assistants to Sylvania with him. On the other hand, he’s hoping the one of his assistants will be considered for the job.

“I know the administration will pick a good coach, and I will recommend some of the guys already on staff,” he said. “There are some good coaches there and hopefully, one of them will get a good shot at it.”