2007-08 Hurricane Men's Basketball Coaches
(Coaches listed from left to right: Torry Wheless, Head Coach Aaron Denton, Maurice Simmons and Barry Whitaker.)
Head Coach Aaron Denton: Louisburg College is pleased to announce the hiring of Aaron Denton as the new head men’s basketball coach. Coach Denton brings a wealth of coaching experience to Louisburg College after serving as a local high school coach, assistant college coach and collegiate student-athlete. Most recently, Denton has served as the assistant men’s basketball coach at Miami-Dade Community College in Miami, Florida. Denton was the head men’s varsity basketball coach at Southeast Guilford High School from 2004-2005. Prior to Southeast Guilford, Denton was an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro from 2001-2003. As a student athlete, Denton began his career at Bunn High School where he was a member of the men’s basketball team. After graduating from Bunn High School, Denton lettered in three sports (basketball, football and lacrosse) at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Coach Denton is excited about the opportunity to return to his local roots. “I look forward to returning to North Carolina and working closely with many of the best high school coaches and programs in the country. Coaching college basketball in this tradition-filled region has always been a dream,” stated Denton, “Having the opportunity to do it at an institution with such a rich history, strong athletic program and quality staff is a privilege.”
“The search committee was very impressed with Aaron’s background and professionalism. His past experiences make him an excellent fit for Louisburg College,” stated Athletic Director Mike Holloman. Louisburg College Athletic Director, Mike Holloman is confident that Coach Denton will assist in a smooth transition following the long career of former head men’s coach, J. Enid Drake. Coach Drake served Louisburg College for the past forty-one seasons as the head men’s basketball coach at Louisburg College. In February of 2006, Drake announced his retirement and a national search was conducted to find his successor. Denton was selected after the college reviewed over seventy possible candidates.
Coach Denton is thrilled and honored to carry on the great tradition of excellence in the athletic department at Louisburg College. “It is an honor and a challenge to follow Coach Drake in the rich tradition of Louisburg basketball and Louisburg College.” Coach Denton’s goal is to build a strong and competitive program that Louisburg College and its' alumni can be proud of.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Denton will serve on the faculty as a professor.
Assistant Coach Barry Whitaker Coach Barry Whitaker returns for his fifth tenth season on the Hurricanes’ sideline. In two weeks in April 2006 Whitaker went from being the youngest member of the Louisburg coaching staff to his current position as the ‘elder statesman’ of the staff. Whitaker brings an incredible amount of experience with some of the most successful coaches in North Carolina history.
Whitaker began his basketball tutelage under the legendary Larry Lindsay who coached Youngsville High School and Wake Forest-Rolesville High to eight State Championships. Next, Whitaker worked at Pfeiffer under now UNC Charlotte head coach Bobby Lutz. Current UNC Wilmington head man Benny Moss was an assistant while Whitaker was at Pfeiffer. Whitaker then transitioned to Louisburg College where he spent 13 seasons assisting the legendary J. Enid Drake who compiled over 700 wins in 41 years at Louisburg. Last season was his first season with Coach Aaron Denton.
Whitaker’s duties are essential in the everyday operation of the program but especially in team travel and game day operations. His expertise proves invaluable to the Hurricanes program. “Barry’s loyalty and commitment to our program are unmatched. You will not find a better example of someone who believes in the mission of our program and college. He invests time and effort into each of players and they are better for it.” –Coach Denton
Assistant Coach Torry Wheless Torry Wheless was named an assistant coach for the men’s basketball program at Louisburg College in April of 2006. Wheless joined the Hurricanes’ program following a three year stint as an assistant coach at Bunn High School. During his time at Bunn, the Wildcats made three appearances in the Eastern Regional Finals, and garnered the 2005 championship of the North Carolina Conference. While at Bunn Wheless mentored Freddy Little who led the 2005 North Carolina All-star team in the North Carolina/South Carolina All-Star Game. In addition to Little, Wheless coached three other college basketball players.
While working on Coach Denton’s staff, Wheless has assisted with recruiting, on-court instruction, practice preparation, and player development. He also assisted in monitoring team academics as well as pre and post-season conditioning and game preparation.
He first attended Elizabeth City State University before transferring to North Carolina A&T State University.
Denton and Wheless starred together on the 1996 Bunn High School basketball team that finished in the final four of the NCHSAA championships. “Torry is not only a true friend but brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and successful coaching experience to our program. He is also a great role model for the young men in our program.” –Coach Denton
Assistant Coach Maurice Simmons Maurice Simmons enters his second year as the assistant men’s basketball coach for the Hurricanes. Coach Simmons also serves as the Louisburg basketball strength and conditioning coach as well as head junior varsity coach.
Coach Simmons is a graduate of South Columbus high school (Tabor City, NC) and Barber-Scotia College (Concord, NC) where he obtained a true love for sports. While at Barber-Scotia Simmons assisted the athletic department as well as specific sports with organizing practices, weight workouts and travel arrangements. Coach Simmons furthered his education at Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene, TX) where he obtained his Masters in Sports Management.
“I am very fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to be mentored under such outstanding coaches as Coach Denton, Wheless, and Whitaker. Not only are the coaches wonderful, but the players have also played a key role in the growth and development for me as a coach.”
“Coach Simmons is an incredibly hard worker who demands excellence from our players. His time commitment to our program is evidence of his desire to see young men improve and succeed in life. He is a great asset to our program.” – Coach Denton
Former Coach J. Enid Drake From a small town in Nash County just minutes from the Franklin County line, Enid Drake was born and raised in Castalia, N.C. After graduating from Castalia High School Enid, went on to receive an Associate degree from Campbell Junior College ( Campbell University) where he played basketball and baseball. With having a stellar athletic career at the Juco level, Enid then continued his academic career at Wake Forest University. He received his Bachelor’s degree and then went on to obtain his Masters at East Carolina University.
In 1954, Enid had his first job at Middlesex High School where he taught and coached basketball and baseball for 11 years. With the experience and winning records under his belt, in 1965 Drake then took on the head coaching title of the men’s basketball team at Louisburg College, Louisburg, NC. Not only did Drake teach his own philosophies on the court, but he did so in the classroom as well.
Over 41 years, Drake complied a winning percentage of roughly 60% with a career record of 712-569. During his stint he has had eight All-Americans and five Academic All-Americans with a graduation percentage around 92%. He has coached three teams, which became Region X Champions and four that were Region X Runner-Ups. Out of the 41 years as head coach, Drake has made 31 appearances at the Region X Tournament and won one District Championship. He has also had the honor of being chosen Region X Coach of the Year three times and was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2001. Coach Drake retired after 35 years of teaching physical education classes at Louisburg College.
Before becoming Head Coach at Louisburg College, Drake played (catcher) pro baseball in the minor leagues for eight years. In 1949, he signed with the Philadelphia Athletic organization and played until 1953. In 1954, Drake signed with the Baltimore organization in which he was a member of for four years. In 1956, Drake changed the pace up a little bit when he went to Thomson, GA to help manage the organization. Then, in 1957 he went to manage in the rookie league in Kingsport, TN.
Over the years Drake has many mentors such as Earl Smith (baseball, basketball, and football coach at Campbell J.C.) Dean Smith (UNC-Chapel Hill), and John Wooten that he studied and followed the teachings of. As each coach has their own style, Coach Drake’s coaching style is comprised of the philosophies from these major influences.
Coach Drake has coached various players that have had the opportunity to continue to play basketball at the professional level. Blue Edwards was drafted and played with the Utah Jazz. Russell Davis a two time All-American was drafted by the Bulls but chose to play overseas. Jeb Barlow, another outstanding player, also chose to play overseas. Joining Davis and Barlow overseas were William Coley and Scott Adams. Many Louisburg College basketball alumni such as Rod Wyatt, Don Carter, Mike Dement, Dexter Cooley and many more have chosen to pass on the teachings of coach Drake in their own way as coaches at major institutions.
Coach Drake has made a difference in the lives of many student athletes through out his coaching/teaching career. He still has his old fashioned ways of teaching the basic fundamentals of the game of basketball but it all comes down to the love of the game.
Spurred by Alum and Coach Drake recruit Roger G. Taylor ’68 a massive renovation of Holton Gymnasium is underway. One of the first stages was the J. Enid Drake Hurricane Club located where the stage once sat at one end of the gym. The Hurricane Club includes plush seating for special guests and a Hurricane board room that doubles as a hospitality room during home basketball games. Both Coach Drake and Roger Taylor have two permanent reserved seats in this section.
J. Enid Drake
- Men’s Basketball Coach
- Career Record: 694-569 (41 seasons)
- NJCAA Men’s Basketball Hall of Fame
- 3 Region X Championships
For more information, contact:
Head Coach Aaron Denton
919.497.3214
adenton@louisburg.edu
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