By DAN BISER

The Whiteville Board of Education approved the hiring of Kenzil McCall as boys varsity basketball coach at Whiteville High School during its Monday night meeting.

McCall, 36, will replace longtime Wolfpack coach Glenn McKoy, who retired at the end of the past season after a 27-year stint that included 536 victories and back-to-back state 2A championships in 1999 and 2000.

McCall, who like McKoy is a lifelong resident of Clarkton, was McKoy’s assistant coach this past season. He is a graduate of Mt. Olive College where he was a standout baseball player.

“I feel very honored to be hired as Whiteville High’s new boys basketball coach, yet at the same time I am very humbled because I am stepping into a position that is being left by one of the most successful and respected coaches this area has had,” said McCall, who like McKoy was a record-setting athlete at Clarkton High.

“Both Coach McKoy and I played basketball under Coach Harold Ford at Clarkton High School and we learned so much from him, particularly about character and values of life. Coach McKoy was able to relate so well with his players about so many things and hopefully I can work to do the same.”

McCall said “there is no way to really replace a man like Glenn McKoy, but I am ready to accept the challenge of coaching the Wolfpack.”

McKoy, who gave McCall his recommendation for the position, said that the new Wolfpack head coach will bring a new energy and enthusiasm to the WHS basketball program.

“He’s young and willing to give that extra time and involvement to the kids,” McKoy said. “If he gets the same type encouragement and support from the school and community that I have received through the years, he will be successful.”

McCall and his wife Yvette are parents of Katelyn 14, Kenzil Jr., 8 and Kytera 1.