The transition for the new football coach at Colonial Heights will be a seamless one.

The Colonials named Bert Krupp as veteran coach John Thomas' successor yesterday.

Thomas coached at Colonial Heights for 37 years, 28 as head coach. While he was an assistant, Krupp was one of his players.

Krupp, 49, has been on Thomas' staff for 25 years.

"I know the kids, the community and the district," Krupp said. "I'm a different personality, but after 25 years, I think I know how to do things the right way."

After graduating from Colonial Heights, Krupp played at the University of Virginia for Dick Bestwick. Krupp was a graduate assistant for George Welsh.

"Filling John Thomas' shoes will be tough. I don't have a magic formula, but I'll work hard," Krupp said. - Arthur Utley