THOMSON - The McDuffie County School Board on Monday hired Milan Turner as Thomson High School's football coach.
Turner is most recently of Emanuel County Institute at Swainsboro, where his team won a state championship in 2007. He also will serve as athletic director.
In accepting the position after a unanimous vote by the board, Turner emphasized building the football program by building character.
"We've got to get kids educated. We've got to give them character. We've got to give them opportunities," he said.
Turner said he hopes to be free to move to Thomson soon to begin fitness training for the football program and to serve as athletic director during spring sports.
He replaces legendary coach Luther Welsh, who retired after the 2010 season. Welsh greeted hundreds of fans and former players at a drop-in at Thomson Depot on Saturday.
"You don't replace a coach Welsh," Turner said. "He leaves a legacy that will stand."
Turner's name was presented to the board by Superintendent Jim LeBrun. High School Principal Rudy Falana was the other member of the committee, which sorted through a list of more than 100 applicants.
