After eight years in the Dawson County School System, including one as a student teacher, Coach Mark Thomason has decided to leave and take an assistant basketball position at West Hall High School.

Thomason will also teach U.S. History at the school.

"I've been coaching two sports for over 10 years. This past year we had a son named Tate. He is everything that I've ever wanted, besides my wonderful wife Karla. West Hall gave me a step up in the coaching ranks and more time with my son," Thomason said.

The coach said that he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in Dawson County.

"During that time at Riverview [Middle] and the high school I was head middle school football coach at Riverview and basketball coach and then I also coached on the varsity football staff for four years. I will really miss my friends on the social studies hall, my football buddies, and of course the kids," he said.

Thomason was successful as the head coach at Riverview Middle School. During his three-year tenure he compiled an 18-5 record and a Mountain League Football Championship.

In his last three seasons as head boys basketball coach, the Eagles were 32-6 overall.

Thomason's most memorable moment in Dawson County was Bruce Clark's run against Fannin County in eighth grade, he said.

"Bruce broke five tackles and I remember thinking that kid is going to be special.

"I love Dawson County and its people, but it was time to go and try something different. With head football coach Jeff Lee gone nothing was holding me at the high school," he said.

Thomason also said that he was grateful to all the parents in the county that allowed him to spend time with their kids.