Another head coaching search has begun at Warren County High School. And this time, the former coach will be looking for his replacement.
Todd Willmore resigned Friday as the WCHS boys soccer coach, ending a six-year tenure with the Pioneers. As the school’s athletic director, Willmore will be involved in the coaching search which started Friday afternoon when the job was posted on the school’s website.
Willmore, who is also the girls soccer coach, believes his multiple duties at the high school left him no choice but to step aside from boys soccer.
“My role and responsibilities as athletic director have expanded. Therefore, I believe this is the appropriate opportunity to provide the men’s soccer program with a fresh perspective,” said Willmore. “At this point, I plan to remain as the women’s coach.”
When Willmore took over in 2009, the Pioneers were trying to replace all 11 starters and several key contributors from a successful 2008 squad. It took time to rebuild after such heavy losses, but Willmore believes the program is moving in the right direction.
“The first few years were entirely a rebuilding effort and an opportunity for the boys to adapt to a different coaching style,” said Willmore. “Unfortunately, the boys have not experienced the same kind of success as the girls have the past several years, but I do believe we have improved each year in certain aspects of our program.
“We have seen participation improve, with a peak number of over 40 players. This season we ended the year with 31 players on our roster, which is an adequate amount and enabled us to complete a varsity and JV roster.”
Willmore was 8-10 in his final season with the Pioneers. Warren County was predicted to place last in the six-team District 6-AAA, but the Pioneers finished the regular season 3-2 in district and won a tiebreaker for second place.
A number of the players responsible for the bounce-back season should be back next year, which makes Willmore hopeful his successor will enjoy immediate success.
“I believe the future is bright for the next coach. Next year’s team returns nine of 11 starters and a number of current underclassmen who gained valuable playing experience,” said Willmore.
Willmore, new WCHS principal Jimmy Walker and a selected School Board member will serve as the interview committee. As of Friday afternoon, Willmore was aware of three people who had expressed interest in the program. Willmore hopes a new person will be in place soon.
“If all goes as planned, we hope to have a new coach in place by the last day of school,” said Willmore. “I will be eager to see how the process unfolds and look forward to finding a quality candidate for our program.”