Wednesday, June 6, 2001
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Wednesday, June 6, 2001 |
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Waller returns to county as Sandy Creek girls basketball coach By MICHAEL
BOYLAN
There will be a new face at Sandy Creek High School this fall, though it will be a familiar face to longtime Fayette County residents. Jim Waller, former coach of the Fayette County Lady Tiger basketball team and, most recently, the coach of the Woodward Academy Lady War Eagle basketball team, will now coach the Sandy Creek Lady Patriots. Waller was the coach of the Fayette County program from 1981 to 1986. He has coached at Woodward for 11 years but resigned the coaching position at the beginning of the school year. He has been coaching basketball for 34 years and has built an impressive career in that time. His overall record in high school coaching is 347-128. He has had three state champion teams at Woodward and has brought his teams to the state tournament 11 times. He has been named Coach of the Year by numerous publications and groups, and he has coached AAU teams to state and national championships. Now he brings that experience and winning tradition to Sandy Creek. "I think they have the potential to be a great program," said Waller. "They had a lot of underclassmen getting varsity playing time last year and they are willing to put in the time and effort to win." Waller is a big believer in discipline and fundamentals. His teams are known for their work ethic as well as their defensive and rebounding skills. Waller will also coach freshman football in the fall and golf in the spring. During the day he will teach health and monitor in-school suspension. Waller is glad to be back in Fayette County. "I live close by and still have friends in the community," said Waller. "Plus, the booster club at Sandy Creek has been very supportive, as has the administration, and I think it will be a good situation all around." He will offer a fundamental basketball camp July 9-13, for girls 8-16. Camp will run 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sandy Creek High School and will cost $150. Call 770-463-8036. |
