GHS Girls Basketball Coach Resigns, Interim Coach Named
Guthrie High School Girls Basketball Coach, Jack Hankins, has submitted his resignation for both
his coaching and teaching duties. The resignation is effective on October 7, 2016. Hankins’
tenure in Guthrie began in 2014 and this was his first head coaching opportunity. Prior to
leading the Lady Jays, Hankins was an Assistant Boys Basketball Coach at Piedmont High School.
He indicated he plans to enter private business and praised GPS for their support during his two
seasons as the coach of the Lady Jays.
Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson indicated he plans to recommend longtime Assistant Coach
Sherri Simek to serve in the role of Interim Girls Basketball Coach. Simek is in her sixth year as a
Math teacher at Guthrie High School. During that time, she also served as an Assistant Girls
Basketball Coach for previous Lady Jay Coach Pete Papahronis as well as Hankins. All
recommendations are subject to approval of the Board of Education at the next regular
meeting scheduled for October 10, 2016.
Quotes from Dr. Simpson:
“Obviously, we are disappointed in the timing of this announcement. The recommendation
comes after collaboration with Athletic Director Jon Chappell, High School Principal Chris
LeGrande, Executive Director of Personnel and Secondary Education Doug Ogle and myself.
Our biggest concern is for our studentâathletes. I have a great degree of confidence in Coach
Simek to continue the progress that was started under Coach Hankins. Unfortunately, this is a
symptom of a greater problem as yet another educator is leaving the profession for better pay
and opportunity.”