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Little Miami loses girls coach
Mark Short, who compiled a 119-43 record with Little Miami girls, decides to switch back to boys game.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Blanchester High School announced the hiring of Mark Short as head varsity boys basketball coach Monday night, ending his eight-year tenure as the varsity girls basketball coach at Little Miami High School.
Short compiled an 119-43 record during eight seasons at the helm of the Lady Panthers, including three Fort Ancient Valley Conference Cardinal Division titles, two district championships and one Final Four appearance. Short was named the Ohio Division II Coach of the Year in 2006.
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"I've always said that if something opened up close to home on the boys' side I would look at it," Short said. "Even though I went to Little Miami, I grew up just outside of Blanchester and I'm very familiar with the area and the school.
"It was a tough decision, but the closenes of Blanchester and the chance to coach boys again had a lot to do with it. I'm getting older — I've been coaching for 20 years — and I thought the timing was right so when the job opened up I applied for it and I was fortunate enough to get it."
Short coached boys basketball at the freshman level for eight seasons at Little Miami, going 101-59.
"Obviously, my time at Little Miami was an enjoyable experience and I feel very fortunate to have coached great kids and for the great support I received. I'll still be around to cheer them on. I wish them nothing but the best."
Little Miami High athletic director Rob Blanton said the school is accepting letters of interest and resumes for the vacant girls varsity head coach position until June 1, with interviews scheduled for June 3-5. He hopes a new coach will be named by the school board meeting on June 17.
"We're sad to see Mark go," Blanton said. "He's had a very positive influence on our student athletes. He succeeded in both boys and girls basketball for several years.
"I think he developed into a very fine coach and I know Blanchester is getting a very quality coach and human being."
Blanton said letters of interest can be sent to his attention at Little Miami High School.
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4526 or shayes@coxohio.com.
