Huntingdon names David Wilkins, Porsche McClerking new basketball coaches
When the 2019-20 basketball season starts, two new coaches will be in charge at Huntingdon.
On Monday, the Huntingdon administration announced David Wilkins as the girls basketball coach and Porsche McClerking as the boys basketball coach.
"I think Porsche and David are going to be tremendous for our programs," Huntingdon principal and former boys basketball coach Jonathan Kee said. "They are quality people that invest in their kids. I believe they will provide stability for our program long term."
Wilkins spent the past four years at Obion County and will replace Farris Lowery, who recently retired after spending nine years with the program.
While Wilkins wasn't looking to move away from Obion County, everything seemed to line up for this position.
"I had a lot invested in the program and the kids here at Obion County, but when Coach Kee called me, this is a great situation with a great tradition in basketball," Wilkins said. "I was intrigued. They are offering my wife a job as well. My wife is from Paris, so we will be closer to her family. It was an opportunity worth looking at."
Wilkins will join his brother, John, in Carroll County. John led the McKenzie boys basketball team to the Class A semifinals this past season.
The foundation is set for the Fillies program with two Class A state tournament appearances, including a state semifinals berth in 2018. The Huntingdon girls are coming off a 19-8 season and were one point short of a trip to the Class A sectionals.
"There is a lot of tradition and groundwork already laid down," Wilkins said. "You don't have to teach tradition. You just want to build on what is already there. They have had four losing seasons in the last 20 years. You are in a position to advance in the postseason."
McClerking spent this past season as the middle school head coach and high school assistant coach for girls basketball in Dyersburg, but he was the girls basketball coach at Clarksburg before that.
He is replacing Kee, who resigned to focus on his family and principal duties at Huntingdon High School.
"Being a high school principal is a busy job because it is not a 7-to-3 job," Kee said. "It is a 24-7 job. With my wife and three young kids, I want to experience their childhood and have time for my family.
"I am going to miss it. Come November, it is going to be hard. I told them if they aren't playing defense, I promise I will let them know it in the halls."
The Mustangs are coming off an 18-10 season, reaching the Region 6-A semifinals for the first time since 2004. They have made eight straight appearances in the region tournament.
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Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.