Hodson says 'thank you' to all his players
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
Fairfield girls varsity basketball head coach Matt Hodson mostly wanted to thank all his players for the past five seasons, after being told this week his girls basketball head coaching position was not going to be renewed.
Hodson began as head coach for the 2008-09 season, as his teams went through a variety of obstacles throughout his tenure.
The Lady Lions finished second in the Southern Hills Athletic Conference (Division II) twice during his tenure, including a sectional title in 2009-10, a season where the Lady Lions were one half-court shot away from winning a conference title.
Injuries and youth have been road blocks for the Lady Lions program in recent memory, as two starters had their seasons ended before it began with knee injuries, while the 2011-12 season saw FHS have no seniors on the team.
"I was told my coaching job was going to be posted," Hodson said.
Though Hodson won't be returning as the Lady Lions' varsity coach next season, nothing will be official until next month.
"None of the supplemental contracts will be done until sometime in April," Fairfield Local Superintendent Bill Garrett said. "The position hasn't been posted, so officially no action will be taken until April."
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Hodson said what he enjoyed the most the past five seasons was his players, as he simply thanked them.
"I love coaching," Hodson said. "I've been a part of this program for a few years now. I was a JV coach when Wayne (Bowman) was the varsity head coach. I just want to thank all my players that I've coached the past five years.
"The kids always wanted to work hard. I know every time they stepped onto the court, they were prepared to play. Win or lose, they never gave up."
Past players have reached out to Hodson, thanking him via text messages and social media for all he did for them during their days playing for the Lady Lions.
One in particular was former standout player Chelsey Riddle, as Hodson shared a Facebook message she posted about their time as coach and player.
"In not so many words you saved my life, Matt," Riddle posted. "(You) got me through one of the hardest things that's ever happened to me and kept me out of a lot of trouble. I feel like 'thank you' just doesn't cover it sometimes!"
Hodson continued to talk about his players, calling them "family."
"I've coached a lot of special kids," he said. "I have tried to teach them not only basketball, but life lessons. Having the former players text me and thank me for everything … it really means a lot.
"I just want to wish the current Lady Lions the best. They are like my family nine months a year. Sometimes I see them more than I do my own family. I got to coach my daughter (Courtney) for three years, and I just want to thank my family and everyone for all the support. I hope everyone supports the Lady Lions next season, because they will be a good team next year."
Hodson began as head coach for the 2008-09 season, as his teams went through a variety of obstacles throughout his tenure.
The Lady Lions finished second in the Southern Hills Athletic Conference (Division II) twice during his tenure, including a sectional title in 2009-10, a season where the Lady Lions were one half-court shot away from winning a conference title.
Injuries and youth have been road blocks for the Lady Lions program in recent memory, as two starters had their seasons ended before it began with knee injuries, while the 2011-12 season saw FHS have no seniors on the team.
"I was told my coaching job was going to be posted," Hodson said.
Though Hodson won't be returning as the Lady Lions' varsity coach next season, nothing will be official until next month.
"None of the supplemental contracts will be done until sometime in April," Fairfield Local Superintendent Bill Garrett said. "The position hasn't been posted, so officially no action will be taken until April."
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Hodson said what he enjoyed the most the past five seasons was his players, as he simply thanked them.
"I love coaching," Hodson said. "I've been a part of this program for a few years now. I was a JV coach when Wayne (Bowman) was the varsity head coach. I just want to thank all my players that I've coached the past five years.
"The kids always wanted to work hard. I know every time they stepped onto the court, they were prepared to play. Win or lose, they never gave up."
Past players have reached out to Hodson, thanking him via text messages and social media for all he did for them during their days playing for the Lady Lions.
One in particular was former standout player Chelsey Riddle, as Hodson shared a Facebook message she posted about their time as coach and player.
"In not so many words you saved my life, Matt," Riddle posted. "(You) got me through one of the hardest things that's ever happened to me and kept me out of a lot of trouble. I feel like 'thank you' just doesn't cover it sometimes!"
Hodson continued to talk about his players, calling them "family."
"I've coached a lot of special kids," he said. "I have tried to teach them not only basketball, but life lessons. Having the former players text me and thank me for everything … it really means a lot.
"I just want to wish the current Lady Lions the best. They are like my family nine months a year. Sometimes I see them more than I do my own family. I got to coach my daughter (Courtney) for three years, and I just want to thank my family and everyone for all the support. I hope everyone supports the Lady Lions next season, because they will be a good team next year."