Spotlight on Coaches: James Willingham
By Marla Jones, Sports Editor
COLLINSVILLE, Ala.—The Southern Torch Coach of the Week is Coach James (Ernie) WIllingham, Head Coach of the Collinsville Panthers Varsity Football Team.
Coach Ernie Willingham graduated from Collinsville High School. After college he was the head basketball coach at Appalachian from 1984-1991. He went to Albertville to coach basketball for 1991-1993 before returning to Appalachian for five years. In 1998, Willingham landed his first football job as head coach at Collinsville. While at Collinsville for five years, his team went 31-24. The Panthers reached the playoffs in four out of five seasons. In 2003, Willingham returned to Appalachian, to coach basketball and then took over to football program in 2004 for seven seasons. Coach Willingham moved back to his hometown in Collinsville in 2013.
Coach Willingham will be entering his ninth season at Collinsville with a record of 48-39. He has led the team to six playoff appearances. The Collinsville Panthers have won two region championships under the leadership of Willingham. Collinsville can help Willingham achieve his 100th win as Head Coach with their first victory of the season.
Southern Torch wishes Coach Willingham and his Collinsville Panthers the best of luck in their upcoming season.
One of the best coaches ever, a great man all the way around!!!!