New Meadowview Christian football coach Kenneth Strong will hit the ground running literally Monday with the start of spring football on his first day at the school.

Then at 6:30 p.m., Strong will be the honored guest at the “Meet the Coach Night,” said Tracie Haskell, vice president of the Meadowview Christian School Booster Club.

“It’s not going to be a typical Monday,” Haskell said. “With spring football and Coach Strong’s first day, everybody is just so excited.”

Strong has compiled a 72-37 football coaching record, leading Deer Creek School in Arcola, Miss., to three straight winning seasons. He also has directed two other Mississippi schools — Strider Academy in Charleston and Yazoo City’s Manchester Academy — to productive years.

Monday night’s reception will give school supporters the opportunity to greet Strong.

“We want people to get a chance to know him, get to meet him,” Haskell said.

Strong inherits a Trojan team that finished the 2008 season with a 5-5 mark. When Strong’s hiring was announced in April, the new coach provided his team with study materials — offensive and defensive plays, workout schedules and team guidelines.

“We expect players to address off-field issues first and be the best that they can be,” Strong said.

Strong returns to Alabama coaching after serving as an assistant at Tuscaloosa Academy in 1995. During his 14 years as coach, he also compiled records in baseball (48-22) and boys and girls basketball (175-55).

Strong will teach in the computer lab and instruct physical education, said Dr. Michael Gaylor, the school’s headmaster.

He also said Strong will provide discipline, help with the facilities and be a role model.

Strong replaces Rick Jackson as coach. Jackson resigned earlier this year and coached the baseball team through the remainder of the season.