A field of 10 candidates has been narrowed to four in Marysville High School’s search for a new girls head basketball coach.
The position was vacated nearly two weeks ago when Klarke Ransome stepped down to become the girls hoop boss at Olentangy High School.
Initial interviews were held Wednesday with the final quartet.
Of that number, two of them are already in the Lady Monarch program.
Scheduled to be interviewed were Marysville assistant coach Andy Schwoehow and Bunsold eighth-grade coach Chris Freeman.
External candidates interviewed were former North Union assistant coach Justin Price and current Logan High School girls head coach Jeff Herchek.
Monarch athletic director Joey Day said only two of the 10 original applicants did not have previous head coaching experience either on the high school or AAU levels.
Day said the timing of the vacancy presented a challenge in looking for a new head coach.
The month of June is a vital period of time during the high school basketball off-season.
Many programs conduct youth camps and play in summer shootout tournaments during the month.
As such, most coaches have already made program changes and/or are staying where they had served as a coach.
“However, I am confident that with our pool of candidates, we will hire a new head coach who will continue to push our girls basketball program forward,” he said.
Ransome guided the Lady Monarchs to three Ohio Capital Conference Cardinal Division championships and their first district title in 2022-23.
Day said the candidates will be narrowed to two at the conclusion of the first round of interviews.
The district plans a meet and greet session for players and parents with the two remaining candidates on an as-yet determined date.
“We hope to have a recommendation for our new head coach ready to be presented to the Board of Education during its June 20 meeting,” said Day.