88bobcats
03-18-2011, 03:51 PM
per KOGT.COM
by Gary Stelly
"It was a good run wasn't it," Dan Hooks said from his office Friday when asked if he was leaving West Orange-Stark at the end of the school year.
Citing budget cuts the school district put together a retirement/early leave plan for certain employees and gave them a March 18 deadline to decide. Hooks was enticed by the plan.
"I'm 72 and have been thinking about retiring but I know we're going to have a good team next season. It was hard to leave that kind of money on the table," he said.
It was said Hooks was wanting to take the money but still coach the football team in the fall and then leave in December at the Christmas break. When asked about that plan Hooks seemed diplomatic in saying, "Wellll, I just think now was the right time." He then said, "I can tell you this, I'll be watching football somewhere on Friday night."
I asked if he'll be able to watch the Mustangs play without being on the sidelines. "I plan on being at the Nederland game (season opener) since its at Lamar. After that we'll just have to see."
Hooks will stay on as Athletic Director through June 30. As to his successor, he wouldn't say whether or not he was recommending anyone for the job. "The new superintendent (James Colbert) has been around sports and knows what he wants. I'm sure he'll hire the right person."
by Gary Stelly
"It was a good run wasn't it," Dan Hooks said from his office Friday when asked if he was leaving West Orange-Stark at the end of the school year.
Citing budget cuts the school district put together a retirement/early leave plan for certain employees and gave them a March 18 deadline to decide. Hooks was enticed by the plan.
"I'm 72 and have been thinking about retiring but I know we're going to have a good team next season. It was hard to leave that kind of money on the table," he said.
It was said Hooks was wanting to take the money but still coach the football team in the fall and then leave in December at the Christmas break. When asked about that plan Hooks seemed diplomatic in saying, "Wellll, I just think now was the right time." He then said, "I can tell you this, I'll be watching football somewhere on Friday night."
I asked if he'll be able to watch the Mustangs play without being on the sidelines. "I plan on being at the Nederland game (season opener) since its at Lamar. After that we'll just have to see."
Hooks will stay on as Athletic Director through June 30. As to his successor, he wouldn't say whether or not he was recommending anyone for the job. "The new superintendent (James Colbert) has been around sports and knows what he wants. I'm sure he'll hire the right person."