Russ Gilmore introduced as Jays head basketball coach

If the past is any indication, the Guthrie High School boys basketball team will be in good hands with a coaching great coming to town.

The Guthrie Board of Education approved the hire of Russ Gilmore to lead the basketball program. Gilmore’s first game on the Jays bench will begin his 4oth season and will add to his impressive coaching record of 728-351.

Gimore replaces Tim Flanigan, who stepped down following an 8-16 record and a 28-49 record in three seasons.

A search committee (Doug Ogle, Chris LeGrande, Jon Chappell, Zach Robbins, David Sumo and Monetta Fields) went through over 30 applicants for the position.

Gilmore accumulated five state championships in 14 seasons at Hobbs High School (New Mexico) and was named New Mexico Coach of the Year three times. In 2001, he was named the national  high school basketball coach of the year by ESPNRise.

The Arkansas City, KS native makes the move from Guthrie after spending two years at Pryor High School, whom he helped lead the Tigers to a state appearance this past season. The coach also made the move to be closer to his mother in Ark City.

Gilmore, 61, says he wanted to move closer to home and had built a relation with Guthrie’s Executive Director Doug Ogle.

“I visited with Doug and several other coaches. I know they have a good history of athletics. I know they have won state titles and how well they have done in football. They have some good athletic kids,” Gilmore said in a phone interview.

“I have been through the school and looked at the kids and it reminds me of the kids that I had in Amarillo and Hobbs. My system is to press and transition and if we have the personnel to do it we are going to do it ,” Gilmore continued.

Supt. Dr. Mike Simpson says the number of applicants speaks volumes.

“It is very impressive and speaks highly to how people view the potential of this position. In Coach Gilmore, we have a proven successful leader who has achieved success at every stop in his career. I couldn’t be more excited for our student-athletes.”

Russ Gilmore at a glance

2013-2015 — Pryor High School
2012-2013 — Pecos High School (NM)
1998-2011 — Hobbs High School (NM)
1984-1998 — Tascosa High School (Amarillo, TX)
1980-1984 — Cowley County (Ark City, KS)
1979-1980 — Asst.  Cowley County
1977-1979 — Valley Falls High School (KS)
1975-1977 — Reading High School (KS)