Jarrett Troxler had already moved once to follow a mentor. When offered the chance to move again, he decided he was home.

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The Columbia County school board voted Tuesday to approve Troxler as Lakeside's next football coach.

Troxler, 30, assisted former Lakeside coach Jody Grooms. When Grooms left to become head football coach and athletic director at Wayne County High, he offered Troxler a spot on his staff.

After a trip to Jacksonville, Fla., with a detour through Jesup, Ga., Troxler decided Evans was home. He applied for the Lakeside job.

"His enthusiasm's going to be contagious," Lakeside principal Jeff Carney said. "He's awesome. He will hit it running tomorrow morning, I guarantee you."

Carney and Troxler, wearing coat and tie, sat side by side in the Columbia County school board's meeting room as they waited for the result of the board's executive session vote. Schools superintendent Charlie Nagle recommended Troxler to the board, and the coach was asked if he wanted to speak.

"It was a tough three weeks," Troxler told those still gathered. "I'm extremely excited. I love Columbia County."

After the board meeting, Troxler left for Sonic to meet his team for the first time as its head coach.

This is Troxler's first head coaching job. He was Lakeside's assistant head coach and offensive coordinator under Grooms.

Before that, Grooms and Troxler coached at Anson County High in North Carolina.

Lakeside's search committee, led by Carney, concluded interviews last week. Eight candidates were brought in.

Troxler had the advantage of being an internal candidate, and earned points from committee members for already having a relationship with players and parents. Carney, booster club president Kris Hardy and athletic director Donnie Burch each said Troxler impressed during his interview, breaking down film and talking offensive and defensive strategy.

"He sold himself 100 percent," Burch said. "Enthusiasm, knowledge of football -- the whole thing. He wants to make this place a home."

Troxler and his wife, Maureen, bought a home in Evans in 2009. They had their first child this past August. Troxler said Tuesday this area was good for families.

Next for Troxler is filling out a staff. He said he began contacted potential assistants last week when he thought the job might be his.

The Panthers will conduct spring practice in May.

"He wants to build a program," Burch said. "He'd be out there practicing right now if you let him."