http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tr...8-01-0044.html

Bostic officially a General

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 - 11:26 PM

BY ALLEN GREGORY

BRISTOL HERALD COURIER

BEN HUR ? Kory Bostic took his seat on the bleachers, patiently awaited the cue from the photographer in the 95-degree heat and officially became a General.

Since his glory days at Haysi High School, the 26-year-old Bostic has planned his career. Tuesday's football media day session at Lee's Five-Star Stadium represented the latest step.

"I've been involved in sports since elementary school, and knew that I wanted to get into teaching and coaching once my playing days were over," Bostic said. "This is a good opportunity at Lee."

The overriding challenge at Ben Hur is to reverse a six-year string of losing records. It helps that Bostic played for and coached under two of the biggest winners in Southwest Virginia football.

Bostic was a two-time All-Group A receiver at Haysi under the creative James Colley. After playing football for nearly two years at the University of Virginia's College of Wise, Bostic helped direct the receivers for Powell Valley head coach Phil Robbins the past three years.

"I've been blessed to have the opportunity to learn from good coaches, and I'm looking forward to learning more here at Lee," Bostic said. "Coach (Bobby) Sanders is a really good leader. He's going to do a good job here."

Sanders replaced Gary Wolfe, who led the Generals to their best record since 1998 last season at 3-7.

Bostic, one of several new coaches at Lee, posted impressive stats at Haysi, where he was a favorite target of quarterbacks Jon Salyers and Jason Compton.

One of the primary tasks for Bostic this fall will be tutoring quarterback Chaz Garrett. The senior left-hander follows Matt Perdue, who headed to Appalachian State University after an impressive performance in summer camps.

"Chaz has lot of game experience, just not at quarterback," Bostic said. "Chaz throws the ball well, had good legs and is already catching on to our offense."

The mantra in the Lee camp is attitude. And Coach Bostic plans to draw upon his successful background.

"The administration at Lee has been real nice to me and I like the school," Bostic said. "We're trying to start fresh with a new system and trying to establish that winning attitude.

"I assisted with the baseball team at Lee last spring, so I know a lot of the kids. We've worked hard so far. That work ethic will go a long way."

Notes: Ground was broken on Lee's new softball field July 31. The estimated $750,000 complex, adjacent to the school tennis courts and baseball field, will feature dugouts, grass infield and various other touches.

"It's going to be first class," Lee athletic director Richard Stapleton said.

Lee softball games were formerly held at Jonesville Middle School, then a lawsuit prompted the new complex which should be ready by this season.

Meanwhile, a large indoor facility featuring a batting cage and dressing room is now complete at Lee's baseball field.