CENTREVILLE — Bill Hurst has gotten so many phone calls that he simply isn’t able to answer them all.

Such is the life of a man who has made an impact on a number of people in the Centreville community as headmaster and head football coach at Centreville Academy.

Hurst had heart surgery to treat an aortic aneurysm July 10, and he’s recuperating at home in hopes of being able to coach the football team by the time the Tigers open against Amite School Center Aug. 17.

“I’ve had tons of messages and phone calls, and I just can’t answer all of them,” Hurst said of his well wishers. “My telephone’s been out of order, and sometimes I’ve been asleep, too.”

But Hurst doesn’t mind people calling to check on him. In fact, he said he’s humbled that so many people have kept in touch with him.

“I want to thank everyone for praying for me and thinking about me, and I want to ask them to continue,” Hurst said

Hurst said his surgery was a very serious situation, and he’s leaned on God and his family during the process of recovery.

“God’s answering prayers, I tell you what,” Hurst said. “I’m thankful I have God on my side, along with great family, great doctors and lots of prayers.”

Having been away from all football activities, Hurst said he was trusting his assistant coaches to take up the reigns for the time being.

“I talk to the coaches every day,” Hurst said. “I miss being out there with the kids. It’s stressful, but the doctors told me to go slow and take care of myself, so I can get back quicker.”

Hurst said the doctors haven’t told him when he might be able to resume his duties as headmaster and head football coach.