West Chicago's Gimre resigns post as head coach
After eight years at the helm, Kevin Gimre has resigned as West Chicago's varsity boys basketball coach.
In a meeting last Friday with Wildcats athletic director Doug Mullaney, Gimre was asked to resign the position he assumed in 2001. Gimre made it clear he did not want to resign but ultimately did turn in his resignation.
"To be quite frank, it was not something I chose to do," Gimre said. "I wanted to come back. It was (Mullaney's) decision to ask me to resign or I would not have my contract renewed."
Mullaney did not dispute he asked Gimre to resign. While he declined to cite specific reasons for the coaching change, the Wildcats' first-year athletic director stressed his belief that it was the right move to make after spending the past season evaluating the program.
"We needed to look at what was best for the kids in the program at this time," Mullaney said. "Kevin is a great man, he was a great leader. Right now we have to have a leader who can come in and continue to develop relationships with everyone in the program with support from the athletic department."
Gimre, who will continue to teach math at West Chicago, spent the last 14 years with the program. He was a varsity assistant for four seasons and a freshman coach for two seasons before becoming the varsity head coach.
Under Gimre the Wildcats posted a record of 78-139 including an 8-19 record in the 2008-09 season that ended with a 65-52 loss to Oswego East in the Class 4A East Aurora regional quarterfinals.
Gimre's teams twice won regional titles. The 2003 team became the program's first regional champion in 43 years, and the 2005 regional champions became the program's first 20-game winner.
Mullaney said the basketball job is open and a hiring committee will be formed to help determine the next coach. He said while there is no firm timeline, he hopes to have a new coach in place within a month to prepare for the off-season.
The Wildcats will return vast experience next season headed by All-Area center Tyler Griffith, guard Chad Driscoll, forward Charles Jacques and five other juniors who received significant playing time this season.
"We'll select the best candidate for the position," Mullaney said. "There needs to be a focus on sportsmanship and trust with the coaches, parents, athletic administration...everyone. It's our responsibility to put our best foot forward.
"We'll look forward to the future and what's best for our kids," he added.
As for Gimre, he hasn't ruled out coaching again in the future. For now, though, he'll take an unwanted break.
"Needless to say I'm disappointed," Gimre said. "It was my intention to come back and coach, but this is a decision the administration made. It's just too bad."