The Ken Cribb era kicks off today at Stall High School when the Warriors begin spring football practice. The Warriors will have six practices and then play the Blue/White Game. After the game, it's time for a cookout, with the school's athletic director and assistant principal serving up burgers and hot dogs.

Cribb, who was named the school's football coach this week, plans to build camaraderie. That's the first step toward building a program.

"We're going to use the team concept," said Cribb, who comes to Stall from South Florence, where he posted a 26-42 record in six years. "We're going to do everything together, get the facilities up to par, get the community involved and teach the kids the little things. We're inviting the players, the teachers and the community to the cookout so they can get a taste of what we're doing."

Cribb replaces Phillip Morgan as coach. Morgan went 10-22 in three years at the school, including 2-8 last fall when the defense surrendered 42.3 points per game. It's a similar rebuilding job Cribb faced when he took over the Georgetown program in 2001. The Bulldogs went 1-9 in his first year, and showed progress the next two seasons, posting marks of 5-6 and 7-4.

"I think it is a similar situation as Georgetown," Cribb said. "I think what I do best is what they need most. I like the administration that is in place. They're supportive, and the kids are hungry for a winner. That's the best type of kids to coach. You have to have two things to be successful: an administration that wants you to succeed, and athletes. I'm sure Stall has both. That's what makes coaching fun."

Cribb met with approximately 20 returning varsity players Tuesday and talked about his three 'F's'. "I told them I was very fortunate that my hobby is the same as my career and passion. I told them about the three things that drive me: my faith, my family and my football."

Cribb said football must become a year-round activity if the Warriors are to contend for region championships. "I talked to the returning players and told them to start recruiting," he said. "I told them to bring me eligible students who want to win. We have to have spring practice, participate in the Passing League and trench wars. And, we have to get in the weight room for strength and conditioning. The players are excited. I told them if they want to be part of the team, they have to contribute."

All-state soccer

The South Carolina High School Soccer Coaches announced its all-state teams, and the Bishop England boys' team leads the way with seven Class AA all-state selections: Joey Calandra, Harry Crosbee, Geordi Khoury, Harrison Little, James Ricciardone, Phillip Ricciardone and Ryan Sellers.

The Bishops girls are also well represented, with three selections on the Class AA-A team: Terry Chandler, Erin Reifeis and Erika Chistensen. Academic Magnet had two picks in Hannah Harvell and Emily Farrier.

Wando has two picks on the boys' Class AAAA team: Andrew Eppelsheimer and Will Moore. They are joined by Fort Dorchester's Rudi Hellberger.

Summerville's Chelsea Davis and Wando's Sandy Hudson are the local picks in girls' AAAA.

Bluffton's Diego Miranda made the boys' Class AAA team.

Local selections for the boys' Class A team include Erik Cobb, Allan DaPore, Chris Kilpatrick and Lucas Hagerty of Academic Magnet, and Preston Myers and Darwin Deas of Lincoln.

Tracy added

Berkeley infielder Cole Tracy was added to the Class AA/AA squad for the North-South All-Star Baseball Games set June 21-23 in Myrtle Beach. He hit .480 with three homers, 10 doubles, 30 RBIs and 29 runs scored.

Reach Philip M. Bowman at pbowman@postandcourier.com or 937-5592.