North Carolina High School Athletic Association
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Former Smoky Mountain Coach, Wife In Serious Wreck

       ASHEVILLE—The Asheville Citizen-Times has reported that former Smoky Mountain High School football coach Lionel Brooks and his wife were in  a serious car wreck over the weekend.

       According to the story, the couple was traveling up Cowee Mountain in the Jackson-Macon County area on Saturday during the rainy weather when another car hydro-planed and hit them head-on.

       Lionel, 74, and Linda, 66, are the parents of Franklin football coach Josh Brooks and Panthers athletic director Jay Brooks.

       Both of the Brooks are currently receiving treatment at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Lionel suffered a fractured pelvis and major lacerations on his left arm and leg while his wife has a broken heel, among other injuries.

      Lionel Brooks served as Smoky Mountain's coach from 1990 until 1996.