Breaking News: Kinston Coach Vinston Thorpe Named Head Football Coach At East Columbus

Kinston Football will be losing an assistant coach this upcoming season and East Columbus High School has found its next leader.

Vinston Thorpe, who most recently served as offensive coordinator and strength and conditioning coach at Kinston High School, has been named the new head football coach at East Columbus.

Thorpe brings a well-rounded background to the position, both as a player and coach. A graduate of E.E. Smith High School, he went on to play collegiately at Mount San Jacinto Junior College and UNC Pembroke before spending time professionally with the High Country Grizzlies, Louisville Steam, and Cape Fear Heroes.

His coaching career includes stops across multiple programs in North Carolina. Thorpe coached at Greene Central for three seasons as co-offensive coordinator and junior varsity head coach, followed by two seasons at Kinston, where he played a key role in the Vikings’ recent state championship run.

Prior to those stops, he served at Hoke County as an offensive line coach, at Red Springs as offensive coordinator, and at Westover as an assistant and junior varsity offensive coordinator.

In addition to his high school experience, Thorpe has spent the past two years working with Team Copper, a 7-on-7 program led by former NFL wide receiver Terrance Copper.

Thorpe expressed excitement about the opportunity to take over the East Columbus program.

“Man, I’m super excited for the opportunity,” Thorpe said. “I think it’s a great blessing to have the opportunity at 32 years old to lead a high school football program in the state of North Carolina and build something special.”

Thorpe now takes over an East Columbus program looking to establish consistency and build toward future success.