Twenty-three years later, Greg Wright’s football journey has come full circle.
The Timberland High School football coach was named to the South All-Star coaching staff for the 77th annual Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl in December. The 2002 Cross High School graduate played outside linebacker for the South squad in 2001 before playing football at the University of South Carolina.
This year’s clash is slated for Saturday, Dec. 7, at Myrtle Beach’s Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium.
“It’s definitely an honor to be a part of it again,” said Wright, who will lead the South’s defensive backs. “It’s a great experience.”
Battery Creek’s Ed Susi will head the South coaching staff, which also includes Ridge View’s Derek Howard, Airport’s Shane Fidler, Newberry’s Cedrick Jeter, Latta’s Brandon Iseman, James Island’s Randy Hilyer and Westwood’s Mark McClain.
After spending the previous two seasons at Buford, Susi recently finished his first season at Battery Creek. A veteran of nearly four decades, Susi also served as Fort Mill’s head coach for 11 seasons.
“I know a good bit of them or have heard good things about them if I don’t know them personally,” Wright said of his fellow coaches. “I definitely look forward to collaborating with them and getting to know these coaches better. We’ll evaluate players at combines and meet periodically to try and select the best team possible.”
The South won the 2023 game against the North all-stars, 28-8. The senior players for the 2024 rosters will be selected this coming October.
Wright recalls many of his memories in Myrtle Beach during his week as an all-star player. While the North won the game, 39-38, Wright formed some lifetime friendships.
“I remember fellowshipping, going to NASCAR and all sorts of places,” he said. “I’m going to tell them those are going to be your brothers for life. Any time we see each other, it’s just like it was yesterday. You remember those moments, and you cherish them. You should embrace it and enjoy it. It’s also an opportunity for them to get recruited. There will be college coaches there and you’ve got a chance to take care of business.”
Powdersville’s Robert Mustar heads up the opposing coach staff. North assistants are J.L. Mann’s Steve Watson, South Pointe’s Bobby Collins, Pendleton’s Grayson Howell, Batesburg-Leesville’s Greg Lawson, Ridge Spring-Monetta’s Jay Brannon and Laurens’ Brian Strickland.
South Carolina’s electric cooperatives have been the primary sponsors of the all-star game since 2013. Previously known as the North-South All-Star Football Game, the event began in 1948. It is one of the oldest high school all-star games in the country.
