Greenbrier's new coach is no stranger

Casey Heckathorn's memory was triggered when he walked through the doors of Greenbrier High's gym Wednesday morning.

A crowd of boys filling the first few rows of the bleachers greeted the Wolfpack's next boys basketball coach, and Heckathorn admitted to some nervousness, likening back to when he played grade school sports.

"I've got these great nervous butterflies," Heckathorn told the group of potential players. "And I just want to get those out."

Heckathorn replaces Casey Dees, who will leave after the school year to coach the boys basketball team at Grovetown High. Heckathorn said he will maintain his duties as athletic director and football coach at Stallings Island Middle School, at least for now.

He served as a basketball assistant to Greenbrier athletic director and former girls basketball coach Garrett Black for two seasons and also assisted Dees.

"The kids are excited," Black said. "They know him very well. It's a good fit for our program."

Black said Greenbrier was trying to find a teaching position for Heckathorn, and Heckathorn said a move to the high school would be a natural next step.

But for now, the 33-year-old is content to juggle his various duties.

"My big thank you is really to (Stallings Island principal Don) Putnam for allowing me to do that, because we have a basketball need at Stallings Island, too," Heckathorn said. "With his flexibility, it's doable."

After Heckathorn was introduced and had flushed the butterflies, he talked to the 50 or so players about summer tryouts, physicals and his expectations.

Heckathorn will be assisted by former Greenbrier standout Eric Marshall, who played at Wofford College.

Heckathorn said Marshall's experience trumps his own and that the local product would play a big role in running practices and calling for adjustments during games.

The Wolfpack will again compete in Region 2-AAAAA. The predominantly Atlanta-area region proved tough on the hardwood, but the Wolfpack earned one of its state playoff berths during Dees final season.

Heckathorn said he hoped to build on the foundation Dees left by pushing the tempo.

"If you sit back against those kind of teams, I think that's where we really get in trouble," Heckathorn said. "We've got to be as assertive as we can and try to play up to their level."

Reach Stephen Fastenau at (706) 863-6165 ext. 116 or stephen.fastenau@augustachronicle.com.