LORMAN &045; Athletic officials at Alcorn State promoted assistant coach Sam West to head coach Monday following the retirement of longtime coach Davey L. Whitney.

West, a former player and coach at North Natchez High School, takes over the position after serving as Whitney’s assistant for seven seasons.

&uot;We have had the unusual opportunity to evaluate Coach West over the past seven years,&uot; Alcorn athletic director Robert Raines said. &uot;Coach West has been a very loyal and dedicated assistant to Coach Whitney. His outstanding knowledge of the game, strong recruiting background and great rapport with the student-athletes, university personnel and supporters demonstrates his readiness for the assignment. We have in Coach West the right man for the job.&uot;

West was Whitney’s assistant for the Braves’ last two Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament championships and last three regular season championships.

It’s the first head coaching position for West at the collegiate level after he served as an assistant coach at Delta State and head coach at North Natchez and Northwest Rankin high schools.

&uot;Coach Sam West brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Alcorn State University program,&uot; Whitney said. &uot;Sam works hard and is dedicated to the game of basketball. He brings to the university the kind of dedication that is needed to continue our uphill climb.&uot;

West was out of town Monday and unavailable for comment.

West came to Alcorn following a five-year stint at Northwest Rankin where he had three 20-win seasons. Before that he was head recruiter and academic advisor at Delta State.

While at North Natchez West boasted a combined record of 76-15 while serving as head coach from 1983 to 1987. He was named State Coach of the Year and All-Metro Coach of the Year in 1986.

West

is married to the former Theresa Dunbar and have three children.