THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Friday, January 5, 1996                TAG: 9601030165
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS      PAGE: 15   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Sports 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   27 lines

NEW COACH

Former Norcom High School assistant football coach Sam Warren has joined the Western Branch coaching staff.

Warren, who was the offensive coordinator for the Greyhounds' state championship team in 1993, now teaches at Oscar Smith Middle School in Chesapeake.

Warren is replacing Mike Hall, who resigned for personal reasons. Hall was a defensive coach for the Bruins.

``We've got a good new coach,'' said Western Branch head coach Lew Johnston. ``We are pleased to have a man with his experience and expertise on our staff. It will move us one more step in the right direction.''

Johnston said Warren likely will be involved in both offense and defense. ILLUSTRATION: Warren

by CNB