Austin boys - Departing Coach Randy Edwards
AUSTIN, Ind. -- (Updated 3/8) Now confirmed that Coach Edwards will not return for an eighth year in Austin. The Eagles were 7-17 last season finished and 7th in the 9-team Mid-Southern Conference. Good Varsity Club member reports there was some unfounded optimism regarding them improving their record from the past year, but a combination of attitudes and inconsistency finished this team with pretty much the same record as the year before. From that group, reportedly three key contributors graduate. JV described as average. Looking way down the line, 8th grade described as below average. However, 7th grade went 23-0 this past season, and a Varsity Club member reports some kid dropped 50+ in one of their games. 6th and 5th grade decent. Community pressure to win in this town is legit. No teaching jobs at this time. (Updated 4/1) Good Varsity Clubber reports NO talent right now, community and school who wants to win NOW though. One of the best 7th graders in the state, but word is there is little chance he will end up there. Names hearing, Joey Hart
West Washington boys - Departing Coach Jamie Cummings
CAMPBELLSBURG, Ind. -- (Updated 3/31) Good Varsity Club member reports Job is officially open as Jamie Cummings has stepped down. The Senators reportedly returns one varsity starter (was a frosh who led the team in assists and shot 42% on 3s.) Report continues four kids who got significant minutes (two frosh, one soph, one jr.) JV was 13-7. Teaching openings will be at a later date but expect to have Eled and HS positions open. (Updated 4/1) Varsity Club member reports big time football school, admin making it hard on coaches right now.
Providence girls - Departing Coach Brad Burden
CLARKSVILLE, Ind. -- (Updated 3/7) Now official that well respected Coach Burden has resigned after 16 seasons leading the Pioneers. Good news first: Varsity Clubber reports that, at least on paper, plenty of talent coming back and coming in. Providence has a new state of the art weight facility and tons of success across the board athletically. Bad news: Politics galore. Another Varsity Club member reports a very overactive group of parents and an admin that gives them voice. Both reports underline the fact that basketball must compete with volleyball and soccer. For those brave enough to apply at a potential B.E.S.T. candidate school, current openings at Providence include HS French, HS English, HS Math, HS Spanish, HS Science, and a Theology position. Editorial comment - Wonder what the theology is regarding creating a work environment that would make a successful career coach want to leave? (Updated 4/1) brand new weight facility is a plus to go with the negatives we have already mentioned.
