Surry Central High School has filled its open head coaching positon, but the hire opened up another head coaching role. The Dobson-based school has hired Jamie Fortner, who was previously the head coach a North Stokes in the county to the east.

The Vikings hired Fortner late in the 2021 offseason. He had been the special teams coordinator at Forbush High School.

Over his four seasons at North Stokes, Fortner led the Vikings to a combined win-loss record of 8-35. Area coaches have noted that Fortner has done a good job with a bit of a talent deficit.

Fortner was a class of 1989 graduate at Starmount High School. He played for B.W. Holt on the Rams’ football team.

With an average daily membership of 701 students, Surry Central is set to become a 3A school after the N.C. High School Athletic Association realigns into eight classifications later this year.

In the second draft of proposed conferences released by the NCHSAA’s realignment committee, the Golden Eagles were placed in a 3A/4A league with fellow 3As North Wilkes and West Wilkes as well as 4As Forbush, North Surry, West Stokes, and Wilkes Central.

Here is the full statement sent out by Surry County Schools:

Surry County Schools and Surry Central High School are excited to announce that Jamie Fortner will serve as the Varsity Football Head Coach.

Speaking of joining the Golden Eagle community, Coach Fortner says, “I am honored and blessed to be named the new head football coach at Surry Central High School. I am committed to continuing a disciplined program that strives for excellence with a strong emphasis on teamwork and building young men of character. I look forward to working with our amazing student-athletes, coaches, administration, and the community to foster excellence both in competition and in the classroom. My family- Lavonne, Meredith, and I would like to extend our gratitude to Mrs. Holloway and the administration for providing us with this incredible opportunity. I am excited to lead and develop this next generation of great football players as we all work together to build something special.”

Coach Fortner graduated from Winston-Salem State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and Physical Education. Coach Fortner has most recently served as the Head Football Coach at North Stokes High School as well as Assistant Football Coach at Forbush High School, Starmount High School, and East Wilkes High School.

Principal Misti Holloway says of Coach Fortner, “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Jamie Fortner as the new head football coach at Surry Central High School. With his proven leadership, passion for the game, and commitment to developing players both on and off the field, we are confident he will bring a new level of success to our program. Coach Fortner has a record of building high-character student-athletes and instilling strong morals and values. We look forward to the future under Coach Fortner’s guidance.”

Principal Matt Scott of Central Middle School says, “The overwhelming consensus from the football community is that as good as Coach Fortner is on the football field, he is an even better person. We are excited about the future of our football program and we look forward to Coach Fortner’s leadership that will extend from the High School to the Middle School to the Little League program. He is excited about building a work ethic in the classroom, weight room, and football field, and we look forward to partnering with him.”

Assistant Principal Jonathan Carpenter says, “Throughout the interview process, Coach Fortner has exemplified characteristics that our school and community value. While speaking with those who know Coach Fortner, it was reiterated that he builds great relationships with the community and the student-athletes, has a track record of relentless work ethic, and builds enthusiasm for participation in sports. We are excited to have him join our team and look forward to this journey.”

Assistant Principal Stephen Young says, “We are excited to welcome Coach Jamie Fortner to Surry Central. When everyone talks as highly of someone as individuals did of Coach Fortner, I think it speaks volumes about his leadership. His experience and skills will fit nicely into the culture that has already been built at Surry Central, and we are excited for him to get started.”

Athletic Director Stephen Bruner further explains, “We are excited to have Coach Fortner join Surry Central as our Head Football Coach. His leadership and experience will help our athletes excel on the football field, in the classroom, and in the community.”

Coach Fortner and his wife, Lavonne, and daughter, Meredith, live in King.

We are also excited to announce that Coach Eli Williams, a 2018 graduate of Surry Central High School and 2024 graduate of Appalachian State University, will join our football staff as an assistant coach at the culmination of his Master’s program at Ohio University. He will bring a wealth of knowledge and energy to our football program, school, and community.