WINDSOR – Officials within Bertie County Schools have confirmed that a new Head Coach is being sought for the boy’s basketball program at Bertie High School.

The Falcons have been under the direction of Bertie graduate Lester Lyons for the past three years. Lyons is no longer with the school district, leaving the system looking for a new coach.

During his three-year run, Lyons led the Falcons to a Northeastern Coastal Conference championship and to a berth in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association regionals.

Bertie High School Principal Glenwood F. Mitchell said the search process was just beginning, but elaborated on what kind of coach he wanted for the team.

“We want a teacher-coach,” he said. “We want someone who puts as much work in our students as they do our athletes. I’m a big believer in the three A’s. I believe art, academics and athletics all belong on the same line and you work hard at all of them.”

Bertie County Schools Superintendent Dr. Debbie Harris-Rollins said the district would find a coach who believed in academics and who led the team to victories on the court.

“We are hoping to fill that position with a strong person who is committed to our athletes, not just in athletics alone, but also in the classroom,” she said. “We want a strong academic program and a strong athletic program.”

The advertisement for the position has not gone out at this time, but is expected to in the coming days.