When you’re in this line of work, you get to know coaches more than anybody else you meet.

The coach is the main spokesperson for his team, and it’s that person we track down &045; often times late at night, waking up spouses and/or babies &045; in the effort to just round up a recap.

The relationships we have are always positive, and we enjoy that. That’s why it’s always kind of bittersweet to see them leave for better jobs, or whatever the reason, after they spend time in the area, routinely grant interviews and crack a joke or two to keep everyone from taking their jobs too seriously.

The area lost three coaches this week that leave after making a mark &045; Huntington’s Michael McAnally, Cathedral’s Rocky Kettering and Natchez High’s Sue Johnson.

Both McAnally and Kettering were in their positions for a handful of years &045; McAnally three at Huntington wearing numerous hats, Kettering four with Cathedral soccer &045; but it’s Johnson who perhaps left the biggest mark in her 21 years in Natchez.

Johnson leaves her position as head softball coach and assistant basketball coach to return to her native Jackson to be an assistant basketball coach at Murrah, her alma mater. And as school let out this past week in Natchez and all over the Miss-Lou, the reality of their departures is sinking in.

&uot;I didn’t know it was going to be that hard,&uot; said Johnson, who led the NHS softball team to its first playoff win in school history last fall. &uot;It’s really hard. But it’s a move I feel like I have to make. I’m going to miss them &045; I’m not going to lie. They’re like family to me. When you leave family, it hurts.&uot;

Part of Johnson’s decision is based on a nagging back condition that was the result of an automobile accident in July. It’s kept her from coaching in the upcoming MHSAA All-Star game after she and senior Karmethia Mazique got the invitation to participate.

Johnson is seeing a doctor in Jackson for her back, which resulted in two painful knees while trying to rest her back.

&uot;He’s trying to see if we can do bypass surgery,&uot; Johnson said. &uot;He’s trying some things, and it’ll take a while to see if it’ll work. But it’s still there. It’s getting better, but sometimes it’s excruciating.

&uot;The knees are doing much better. I’ve been able to start back exercising and trying to get this weight off. That’s what was hurting the knees to start with.&uot;

The condition has forced her out of softball, but she’ll be an assistant under under Anna Jackson, who plans on retiring after the 2003-04 season and turning it over to Johnson.

She’ll be back when Murrah plays Natchez in basketball.

&uot;I thank everybody who had anything to do with our softball program at Natchez High,&uot; Johnson said. &uot;I really believe that this year is their year. I wish my coaches, friends, students and players good luck. And I can’t forget (trainer) Steve Sumpter. He’s been with me since the seventh grade, and he’s 30-something years old now. I love them.&uot;

Adam Daigle

is sports editor of The Natchez Democrat. You can reach him at (601) 445-3632 or by e-mail at

adam.daigle@natchezdemocrat.com.