Seeing veteran coaches leave is never a good thing. However, when you have coaches with a ton of experience in your program it’s a good thing that always ends with the coach leaving.

 

Last week’s announcement by Mike Robey, who has coached at various schools including Bridgeport High School in his final stint for 35 years, was just another BHS Principal Matt DeMotto has faced this year. Already, Dennis Hutson stepped down from coaching the girls program and Danny Hamrick left the boys program – combined the three coaches have nearly 100 years between them.

 

“It’s always tough to see veteran coaches go. With Mike, he was one of the coaches that built such a great rapport with young people,” said DeMotto. “Mike’s an outstanding coach, but he’s also an outstanding educator. That same rapport he has with his players he has with his students.”

 

How do you replace Robey?

 

“It’s always tough to replace someone with that much experience and we’re glad we have a lot of coaches here with the experience,” said DeMotto. “The reality of it is that it has to end at some point; sometimes it’s here and sometimes it’s elsewhere. I’d like to think the reason you see it happening here is because it’s a pretty good place. We hope that will draw plenty of qualified candidates for the job.”

 

The replacement process will begin soon. DeMotto said he expects the Harrison County Board of Education to post the job within the next few weeks.

 

“I think it will draw a lot of attention,” said DeMotto. "We're encouraging as many quality people to apply as possible."

 

Typically, DeMotto and Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Mark Jones will interview candidates and make a recommendation. The elected members of the Harrison County Board of Education will then approve or disapprove of the recommendation. It is a rare occurrence for a recommendation not to be approved.

 

Robey's assistant, Coach Zak Bart, is handling the team during the June practice period. The practice period is in its second week starting today.