Cross Resigns As Texas College Basketball Coach
By HAROLD WILSON
Staff Writer
Talladega’s claim to fame is its Superspeedway.
Staff Writer
Talladega’s claim to fame is its Superspeedway.
In the case of Texas College, the Alabama town is becoming a fast getaway.
Texas College men’s basketball coach Matt Cross followed former president Dr. Billy C. Hawkins to Talladega College, notifying the school of his resignation on Monday before taking off for Alabama.
Cross moves east to take over a new program, as well as the post as athletic director.
He leaves behind a Steers team he helped reach new heights in only one season as the head coach — leading Texas College to the Red River Athletic Conference regular season championship and 20 wins.
“It’s mixed emotions because we got things done so quickly, got some great players and were able to achieve so much in just one full year,” said Cross via cell phone from Jackson, Miss. on Tuesday afternoon, where he had stopped on a recruiting trip en route to Talladega.
“I’ll be able to rejoin the president that hired me at Texas College, former president Dr. Hawkins. We pretty much share the same vision and understand the importance of intercollegiate athletics..”
With Cross leading the charge, the Tornadoes plan on fielding six sports next year — two in basketball and golf and one each in baseball and volleyball. The Tornadoes were recently reinstated into the NAIA and Cross said they could join the Southern States Athletic Conference or compete as an independent for the short term.
The long-term goal is for the historically black college with an enrollment of close to 350 to transition to NCAA Division II and compete in the SIAC.
“I am proud to have been the head men’s basketball coach at Texas College, and I enjoyed every minute I spent at that capacity,” said Cross, who called a season-opening win over NCAA Division I Grambling, and one over arch-rival Wiley in the regular season finale, the season’s two biggest highlights.
“The TC alumni, faculty, fans and student body that I came to know will always have a special place in my heart.”
The 25-year old Cross, who captured the coach of the year honor at the Texas College banquet last month, expects close to a handful of Steers to transfer with him to Talladega.
“I believe with what we were able to do from a recruiting standpoint, we could’ve built on that and got into the national tournament and made a run this upcoming season,” said Cross, who also thanked TC athletic director Jay Brown for his support. “But with the resources maintained the way they were, I didn’t know if I could top what we were able to do unless some things changed.”
The departure of Cross marks the fourth coaching change in less than two years for the Steers.
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