HAMILTON — Hamilton school officials formally introduced coach Eric Gillespie, who is taking over the city's storied Big Blue football squad, at a reception in the school board office Tuesday evening.

        They praised Mr. Gillespie, who comes from Fairborn High School near Dayton to take over a 111-year football tradition.

        “He is the total package,” said Hamilton Athletic Director John Ross, who helped choose the 37-year-old Mr. Gillespie from 46 applicants.

        Mr. Gillespie, who in 2000 was named the Western Ohio League Coach of the Year and the Miami Valley Football Coaches Association Division I Coach of the Year. described his new job as “a wonderful opportunity.

        “The Big Blue tradition was a big attraction. They have been playing football in Hamilton since 1891,” said the coach, who in 1987-1990 was an assistant coach at nearby Middletown High School.

        The city's public schools have been on their own winning streak in the last two years after transforming into one of the state's highest achieving urban school systems. The progress attracted a visit by President Bush, who on Jan. 8 came to the high school to sign a $26.5 billion education reform bill.

        Mr. Gillespie is only the second African-American head football coach in Butler County's history. The first was Mel Edwards, who coached Talawanda High School football from 1982-85.

        He replaces coach Ed Mignery, who went 77-66 in 14 seasons before announcing his retirement.

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