BC coach Guyett to take year leave

Burlington Central girls basketball coach Darlene Guyett will take a one-year leave of absence from her position as the Rockets' head coach.

Guyett, who will continue to teach physical education and wellness at the school, and her husband Tom are expecting their second child next month, a brother for nearly 4-year old Tommy Jr.

"It was a tough decision and it was something my husband and I talked about a long time," Guyett said. "I always tell my kids to honor yourself and trust your intuition and make decisions that are in your best interests.

"This is about family for me. Coaching takes a lot of time and this is one of the times in my life when I have to put my family first."

Guyett just completed her fourth season at Central and is 58-54. This year's team went 19-11 and finished second in the Big Northern East.

Guyett's 2006-07 team won the BN-East title and set a school record for wins by going 23-6.

"We'll open it up and interview candidates," said BC athletic director Dan Cliffe Wednesday night.

Whoever gets the job can expect the "interim" tag to come with it. Guyett said she intends to return to coaching in June of 2009.

"I haven't talked to my principal about it yet but I would say yes, the new coach will be the interim coach," Cliffe said.

Cliffe said he expects to have the position filled well before summer leagues begin, possibly within a month.