AHOSKIE – Scott Privott’s tenure has been successful by any standard.

The third-year Hertford County High School Track Coach has three pieces of Northeastern Coastal Conference hardware n one each for the seasons he has been at the programs helm.

At the April NCC track meet, the Bears won their third straight league title by finishing first in a handful of events.

In the process, A.J. Francis was named co-Most Valuable Player in the conference after three first place finishes and one second place showing.

Privott was also named the conference’s Coach of the Year for his successful guidance of the Bears’ team.

“It’s special,” Privott said. “In a lot of ways, it’s beginning to be a lot like football.

“Truly there’s as much preparation as football,” he added. “We begin working out in February and keep going through May.”

In the Northeastern Coastal Conference meet, the Bears grabbed first place in the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash, the 3200-meter run, the four-by-400 relay, the four-by-200 relay and the shot put.

“I was proud of the kids and what they accomplished,” Privott said. “They worked very hard.”

The coach said he felt the individual and team competition was the best part of track for the student-athletes.

“The competition is the best part for the kids,” he said. “When you have one shot, you find out who steps up.

“You run for six weeks, but the one that counts is the conference meet,” Privott continued. “The kids have to step up.”

After winning the conference crown, the Bears sent their four-by-800 relay team, four-by-400 relay team, the four-by-200 relay team and the four-by-100 relay team to regionals.

The 4×800 team consisted of Steven Rampersad, Kevin Douglass, Paris Moore and Saeed Jones while Douglas, Rampersad, John Majette and Ron Gatling composed the 4×400 team.

Majette, Francis, Lamar Monger and Antonio Vaughan ran as the 4×200 team while Michael Stephenson joined Vaughan, Monger and Francis on the 4×100 team.

Individually, Francis competed and placed second in the 200-meter dash while Deshawn Outlaw participated in the triple jump, Jordan Jones and Ron Gatling in the long jump; Will Simmons and Steve Hall in the shot put and Brandon Washington in the disc.

Gatling finished first in his competition, something that he was happy about.

“It felt good,” he said. “It was something I had never done before.”

Francis said he was surprised by his second place finish in the region.

“I didn’t expect it,” he said. “I am thankful that I made it that far.”

The Bears went on to compete at the state level as well.