After the conclusion of the basketball season, boys basketball head coach Adam Simmons stepped down as head coach. The decision to resign was tough, but Coach Simmons’ reason to resign as coach was all about his family in the end.

“I’m tired from a long season. I’ve got three little ones at home, and that’s my number one priority,” said Coach Simmons. “It’s a good opportunity to spend more time with them and that’s something I won’t ever get back.”

According to players, Coach Simmons will be missed by his basketball family, the players he’s dedicated an abundant amount of his time to over the last three years. Junior Greg Almonte has grown to greatly respect his now former coach.

“It’s sad because I respect him so much on and off of the court, but I am glad that he is staying to be a teacher!” said Almonte.

With the resignation of Coach Simmons, the process of hiring a new coach becomes a daunting task. After the job opening has been placed online, many coaches from around the region apply electronically, or are recommended by other coaches, and the long process of interviewing begins. Dr. Danny Brackett assists in the interviewing procedure along with Athletic Director Wayne Stehlik.

“After many interviews are conducted, it is narrowed down to a select three to five, and the process is then moved up to the Superintendent of the Springdale School District, Dr. Jim Rollins,” said Dr. Brackett. “He decides who will get the coaching position.”

Two coaches, Springdale Southwest Junior High coach Steve Price and former Rogers High coach Marty Barnes, have been chosen as finalists for the head coach position. When the new coach is selected, the team will have to adjust to a new coach. Junior Marcel Curtis believes a new coach could be a good new start for the team.

“Well, for Coach Simmons, it was a good decision because he chose to do it for his family,” said Curtis. “So it’ll be nice for him and a good refreshing start for us upcoming seniors.”

Although he will not be coaching anymore, Coach Simmons will continue to teach his sociology classes. In the end, he feels that his decision to step down was the right choice to make.

“My family is the most important thing to me,” said Coach Simmons. “At the end of the day, that’s what I have to take care of, my family.”