BY CHARLIE BERGMANN

Special to The Pilot

Janie Hodges did her best to help put a "W" on the ledger for Hoke County whenever the Bucks played Pinecrest in basketball, volleyball and track during her high school athletic career.

Since this summer, the January UNC-Wilmington graduate has been the trainer for the Pinecrest football team. Her first job after college was as a trainer and girl's jayvee basketball coach at New Hanover High School.

She replaces Nick Boney, who left Pinecrest to become the boy's head basketball coach and a staff member at Union Pines.

Patriot head football coach Chris Metzger has been impressed with Hodge's approach to injury issues and her sense of urgency when one occurs.

"Coach Hodges is doing a great job," he said. "She's a real hard worker and does a great job getting the players back on the field. She's also done an awesome job mentoring the students that are aspiring to be trainers. She's just a great addition to our football family."

Assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Cameron Bennett teaches a sports medicine class that has 28 students. One of the requirements is that each student work with Hodges for five hours a week.

Hodges was a varsity basketball standout at Hoke County for four years, ending in 2004. The Bucks had the upper hand over the Patriots during that period. Recently she watched her alma mater play the Patriots in volleyball and freshmen football.

"I wished them both the best of luck and I wished for Pinecrest, which is my home now, to beat them, but not too badly," she said. "I never had a thought or an issue about Pinecrest people. It was just a competition.

"The people here are really nice. They're very friendly and open. I'm always busy and there is never a dull moment. That's what I need and that's why I chose this school."