Cathcart was hired on Monday to take over the football program at Greenwood High in South Carolina -- a place where he served as offensive coordinator from 1997-2001.
Habersham Central principal Jim Van Hooser says it is a difficult loss for the Raiders but that he wishes Cathcart nothing but the best.
"We appreciate what he's done to build what we call the 'Raider Nation,' " Van Hooser said. "We're going to miss him, but I support him, and I hope everyone around here will support him too. He'll always be one of us."
Cathcart turned Habersham football into a regional powerhouse during his six-year reign, posting a 40-27 record with three playoff appearances, two Region 8-AAAA titles and two Class AAAA quarterfinal appearances. He was also named 8-AAAA coach of the year three times.
"He really built a community of support around the football team and the whole athletic program," Van Hooser said.
Now, Van Hooser will turn to finding Cathcart's replacement.
"We don't have a timeline in place yet," he said. "We want to do something as quick as possible but still get the best person for the job."
Cathcart replaces Shell Dula, who retired from Greenwood, S.C., in December after more than 40 years in coaching. As an assistant under Dula, Cathcart helped lead the Eagles to a pair of state championships in 1999 and 2000.
â
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/2/217850