Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Madison County Central School (MCCS) has recently named former Cowboy running back Eric Bright as the school's new head football coach. After graduating from Madison County High School (MCHS), Bright went on to play football at Tuskegee University. Bright received his degree in business administration in 2020 and made his way back to Madison County. Bright has been a physical education teacher at MCCS and an assistant coach for the MCHS Cowboys, coaching the running backs.
“Eric Bright is a prime example of what [high school] athletics is about,” said MCHS Head Football Coach Mike Coe, who coached Bright as a high school student. “He has worked his tail off and earned everything that he’s gotten. He is extremely loyal and he loves Madison County. He is a loving example to the young folks in his care that they too, can achieve all their dreams with self discipline and work ethic. I am so excited about Eric leading our middle school.”
“It feels great to be back home coaching and giving back,” said Bright. “When you're a player in Madison County, you are taught to give back and be [a] good role model for the younger ones that are behind you. I embraced the role because I wanted to show other kids that you can make it out here, if you work hard enough, be respectful and trust God. This is year two for me as far as coaching. Last year, I coached the running backs position for the high school, now I'm being promoted to head coach of the middle school. It's a major accomplishment at a young age, but I'm more focused on making the kids around me better people. The goals I have for the team is to teach the importance of being a great student before being a good athlete and becoming respectful young men.”
Eric is the son of James Turner and Lakechia Turner.