The assistant football coach, Cody Stogner, was hired to take the reigns of the varsity baseball team at Picayune Memorial High School after the former head coach—Cayne Stockstill—retired after 12 years. Stogner will still serve as the assistant football coach during the 2017 season.

Stockstill’s team made the playoffs seven times in his 12 years and played for the South State Championship in 2009 and 2013 according to maroontide.com.

Stogner was on the 2002 South State Championship Baseball team as the starting catcher while attending Picayune Memorial High School.

“He was a great athlete. He played football and baseball here and got a baseball and football scholarship to Southwest Community College,” said Kent Kirkland, principal at PMHS. 

Kirkland was the head coach of the baseball team prior to Stockstill.

Stogner then transferred to Nicholls State University where he earned a football scholarship and became an All-Conference center.

Stogner has previously been an assistant coach of the baseball team, but took last year off when he got married to his wife Tabatha. 

Stogner has three stepchildren with Tabatha and is expecting a baby girl, Camille Rose Stogner, in July said Stogner.

Stogner has worked in the school system for nine years now, teaching physical education classes and special education in the past.

His coaching style is exactly how he played, said Stogner.

“I coach the way I play—hard nose and gritty. I expect a lot out of my players because I know they can give me a lot,” said Stogner.

His intent this season is to approach each game as if it is the only game that matters. 

Stogner adds that he is not trying to recreate anything saying, “The game has been around for hundreds of years. I’m going to be using the same recipe, but with different ingredients.”

Stogner is known for his persistent passion for the game, according to Kirkland, and does not lack in knowledge of the sport.

“My passion for the game is large. I love being part of any sport. My passion to win and make everyone better in the process is why I love doing what I do,” said Stogner.

Stogner says he has always wanted to coach the team he played for—as keeping up the traditions is very important to him.

“I want to build a program that the community can be proud of, just like any other coach. I want people to react positively—like they have throughout this great program—and uphold the great name of Picayune baseball,” said Stogner.

The 2017 season starts in late February for the Picayune Memorial High School Maroon Tide.