WESSON &045; After two years at the helm of the Copiah-Lincoln Community College football team, head coach David Poinsett stepped down last week citing personal reasons.

Poinsett’s resignation is the third in four years at Co-Lin, and the Wolves finished this season with a disappointing 2-7 record this season.

Overwhelming issues, plus Co-Lin’s poor district talent pool, were some of the factors he said hindered the program and kept Co-Lin from having a winning season.

Poinsett, 37, replaced Dave Cross, who resigned prior to the 2002 season to enter private business. Poinsett had served as offensive line coach under Cross for one year, and Cross replaced Phil Broome, who served six years as head coach.

The Wolves went 3-6 in Poinsett’s first season in 2002.

&uot;It was a matter in which I felt like it was my time to leave,&uot; Poinsett said. &uot;I’ve shared a lot of feelings over the years here, from joy to disappointment. We, as a team and staff, gave it our best shot. We played good, fundamentally sound football at times during the past two seasons. We played with what we were dealt, and then we sorted out the good apples from the bad.&uot;

Under Poinsett’s direction the Wolves became the best community college in Mississippi to have players graduate early. Six of Co-Lin’s 16 sophomores will have the opportunity to sign Division One scholarships during the next few months, including quarterback Ty Smith.

Others could sign with Division II or III schools.

&uot;These 16 sophomores have been with me through thick and thin,&uot; Poinsett said. &uot;I owe it to them to make sure they go on to do well. I’m proud of the players that stayed with me, and the students I have taught. I’ve made some really good friends here over the years.&uot;

A native of South Carolina, Poinsett will oversee the Wolves’ football duties until June 1 and teach World Civilization at the college.

&uot;I wish for the best with this program,&uot; Poinsett said. &uot;I’ve done what I could here. Only God can judge me for trying to make this a clean and superior program over the last two years on the field and off.&uot;

The college is currently accepting applications for the head coaching position.