Ricky Casey of Union has been named head softball coach at Holmes Community College in Goodman.

Casey began the fastpitch program at Union High School in 1998 with his nine teams compiling a 148-72-1 record with five state playoff appearances.

Casey had previously stepped down as boys’ basketball coach at Union. During his seven years as boys’ basketball coach, the Yellowjackets compiled a 109-91 record including an 11-12 mark this past year.

While at Union, one of the top highlights was leading the Union boys to the Big House for the 2002 state tournament. It was their first trip to state since 1971.

“That was by far the best,” Casey said. “The softball program won’t miss a beat. They’re in good shape. They’ve got a lot of good young players. It was hard to give that up.”

Casey came to Union in 1994 as head football coach with his seven teams compiling a 27-49 record.

Casey was selected to the Holmes Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.

At Holmes, Casey replaces Terry Fancher, who resigned following a 1-22 record with the Lady Bulldogs this past spring.

“I’m excited about it and looking forward to it,” Casey said of his new job.

“It’s going to be a challenge. There’s a lot of good competition. The level of play in the junior colleges has gotten a lot, lot better. You have to be good to compete.

“There are a lot of good players in this area, it’s just a matter of recruiting.”

Top softball programs in the Holmes district include Madison Central, Grenada, Madison-Ridgeland Academy, Kosciusko, Class 1A state champion East Wesbster, and Class 2A state champion Eupora.