Coaches come and go every year in Warren County, but it felt like a seismic shift in 2022 when two of the biggest winners in WCHS history decided to turn in their whistles. In the span of two weeks in April, both Todd Willmore and Chris Sullens resigned as leaders at the school.

Willmore had guided the Lady Pioneer soccer team to multiple district championships and over 150 victories during his 14-year run, while Sullens delivered back-to-back district championships and topped 100 wins in his career while coaching the Warren County boys basketball team for eight years.

“It’s the right time,” said Willmore, who still serves as WCHS athletic director, back in April. “It’s been an amazing time. I wouldn’t trade (the experience) for the world.” 

Added Sullens on stepping down from the Pioneers, “These past years were a true blessing and (it was) an honor to be part of the program . . . The memories I made with players, coaches, those associated with WCHS and the fans of the Warren County sports teams will be ones I will always cherish. The players and assistant coaches were the true backbone of a program that strived to be as successful as any in the Midstate. I respect the efforts of those Pioneers in ways words can’t describe.”

Kimberly Smith led the Lady Pioneers to six wins in her first year this fall, while Danny Fish has the Pioneer basketball team to Tampa Bay this week during his first year on the bench.