Finalists named in Stings’ coach search

TEXAS CITY — Less than a day after Dickinson hired a new athletic director and football coach, Texas City has narrowed its search down to five finalists.

The Stingarees could have a new leader as early as Tuesday’s board meeting. The five finalists for the position are each being interviewed each day of this week.

West Columbia head coach Leland Surovik, Deer Park head coach Chris Massey, Fort Bend Hightower head coach Barry Abercrombie, Wimberly head coach Weldon Nelms and North Shore defensive coordinator John Kay are the finalists, Melissa Tortorici, Texas City ISD Director of Communications, confirmed on Tuesday.

Despite Texas City’s subpar 4-6 record in the 2011 season, the job is widely regarded as one of the top football coach openings in Texas. The annual salary likely will top $100,000, the school has entirely new facilities, and Texas City has a wealth of underclassmen talent.

On Dec. 9, Texas City athletic director and head football coach Tim Finn announced his resignation, effective June 30.

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Texas City Focusing On 5 Finalists

The five finalists for Texas City’s athletic director and head football coach:

• Leland Surovik, West Columbia head coach;

• Chris Massey, Deer Park head coach;

• Barry Abercrombie, Fort Bend Hightower head coach

• Weldon Nelms, Wimberly head coach;

• John Kay, North Shore defensive coordinator