Cody Ramer’s dream finally came true as he accepted the head coaching position for girls basketball at Eupora High School. Ramer, 26, formally served as the girls assistant coach under Amanda Jewell at Choctaw County High School in Ackerman from 2018-2020. He also was the junior high boys coach for the 2018-2019 season, and coached the seventh grade girls last season. When he arrived at Choctaw in the spring of 2018, he was an assistant to Gary Beals in boys basketball. “I first have to thank God for this opportunity. It’s amazing because my dream of becoming a head coach has come true,” said Ramer, who graduated from Mississippi State University in May, 2018. “I also thank my family who supported me, and the head coaches I worked under at Choctaw County who helped me grow. “I learned so many things from Coach Beals and Coach Jewell. There’s so much more to coaching than just the game. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff and preparation that goes on. You have to learn how to deal with each kid differently. The three things I want to instill in kids is character, integrity and teamwork.” Eupora’s athletic director, Alex Rawls, and principal Adam Dillinger were very impressed with Ramer during the interview process. “Both Mr. Dillinger and myself were impressed with Coach Ramer’s energy level throughout the interview process and review of the school and facilities. Coach Ramer laid out a complete plan in detail on how he intended to move our girls basketball program forward,” said Rawls. “After interviewing him and speaking with his colleagues, we knew we had our guy to lead our program to new heights. “The words that kept being echoed from Cody’s colleagues were his attention to detail and enthusiasm,” Rawls said. “Those qualities are what we believe are the cornerstones for good coaches.” While at Choctaw County, Ramer taught U.S. History and Modern World History on the high school level. He also oversaw the junior high Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He received a bachelor of science in secondary education from MSU with an endorsement in social studies. His internship was done at Choctaw County in the second semester of 2018 in early U.S. History and World Geography. Ramer is a 2012 graduate of Terry High School. While at Miss. State, Ramer served as a practice player for the Lady Bulldogs from 2016-2018. “It was one of the most exciting things I have done. To be a part of and help a great team that made it to the National Championship was such a thrill,” Ramer said. “Being there was humbling, and running up and down the floor with them is something I will always remember. It definitely helped me. I knew my desire was to be a coach so I soaked as much up as I could. I was also able to build lasting relationships with some of the staff, players and managers.” While at Choctaw County, Ramer saw Eupora play twice a year as they faced off against them. “They got after it. They never gave up in a game. I understand they have most of the team returning and there are two incoming freshmen who are really good,” said Ramer. “I’m excited and ready to get started. We’re going to set goals, but it’s going to take a lot of hard work to achieve them.” Ramer will also serve as the junior high girls coach and assist the boys program when needed. He is also in grad school at Arkansas State majoring in sports administration.
