Gray Collegiate officially welcomed a handful of new members of its athletic staff, including a new cheerleading coach, a strength and conditioning director and a familiar face to lead the boys basketball team. 

Dion Bethea is officially back as the head coach of the War Eagles basketball team. Bethea spent the past year as an assistant coach at Georgia Southern, while Carlos Powell coached the War Eagles this past season. Powell resigned earlier this month and it was soon reported Bethea would be back. 

“They say there’s no place like home. Gray is proud to welcome back Dion to lead our boys’ basketball program again. He built this program from the ground up and we are excited for our future with Dion as our leader,” said Gray Collegiate principal Brian Newsome. 

Bethea was the team’s first coach and formed a dynasty, winning six 2A state titles. Gray won over 250 games in his first stint and coached multiple Player of the Year and All-State players. 

“Gray has always been dear to my heart,” Bethea said during his introductory press conference. “Georgia Southern was an amazing place. I learned a lot … but my family is so important to me.” 

While Bethea built Gray into a proven winner before, he will now be tasked with doing it in the 4A classification. The War Eagles finished 19-8 in their lone season under Powell and were eliminated in the third round of the playoffs after losing an overtime thriller to region rival North Augusta. 

The team will return a few key players from last year’s squad including All-State selection Levi Ball, along with Hunter McGraw and Jayden Rowe. 

Gray also welcomed a new head cheerleading coach during last week’s press conference. 

Katie Nunnery is set to take over a decorated War Eagle program that has won three consecutive competitive cheer state championships. 

Nunnery is looking to continue that success as a decorated coach herself, winning multiple state titles as the coach at Dutch Fork. She has been recognized as State Coach of the Year and received national honors. 

“Gray is extremely excited to welcome Katie to our school as our next competitive cheer head coach,” Newsome said. “Katie has a championship pedigree and has been recognized as one of the most outstanding coaches in competitive cheer. We cannot wait to see what Katie and the competitive cheer team have in store for next season.”

Nunnery had previously retired from coaching but decided to join Gray Collegiate after meeting with the current staff. 

“I told my husband I said ‘I’m going to go and I’m going to listen and meet with everybody and see what the vibe is,’” Nunnery said. “I instantly fell in love with the school and the administration here. They made me feel so welcome.” 

Gray Collegiate also hired an experienced strength and conditioning director to oversee that program at the school. 

Erik Schwager previously worked with minor league professional baseball players and held positions at Charleston Southern, Kansas State, Northwestern State, Newberry College, Limestone, and Hartford.

“We are pleased to welcome Erik to Gray. I have a special place in my heart for Charleston Southern University since I am an alumnus and proud graduate,” Newsome said. “When I saw Erik was interested in this position, it made me proud.  His experience working with a variety of student-athletes in different sports at the collegiate level will help elevate Gray’s strength and conditioning program across all programs. We look forward to Erik’s contributions as an important part of our athletic leadership team.”

The final hire announced will help Gray’s athletes off the field of play. 

Katie Clampitt has been named Academic and Athletic Liaison. Her job will be to help students ensure students meet NCAA and NAIA eligibility requirements, create positive social media presences, prepare videos for college recruiters, and navigate financial aid pathways.

“This is a new position for Gray that I have envisioned for years,” Newsome said. “College athletics are rapidly changing, and our students should have all the support we can provide for them so they can reach their full potential. We look forward to the support Katie will build in the months ahead to give our students as many opportunities as possible to further their academic and athletic aspirations.”