Story by Luke Wiggs
SHENANDOAH JUNCTION, W.Va- “Ultimately I’ve always wanted to be a head coach from the time I was a player till now,” said newly named Jefferson head boys basketball coach Kiel VanMetre in his introductory press conference on Tuesday.
“Being a head coach in the Eastern Panhandle has been one of my dreams.” VanMetre said. “Being able to get this opportunity when it came open was something I couldn’t pass up.”
VanMetre is no stranger to the area. He played his high school ball for Hedgesville and most recently served as an assistant coach for Ryan Miller at Washington.
“Getting the opportunity to go to Washington with coach Ryan Miller who is one of my best friends and is actually going to be my best man at my wedding was great.” VanMetre said. “I think it’s going to be good for the county that he and I will coach against each other for the rivalry. On the court we may not like each other that night but afterwards we’ll talk all night and hang out the next day and I think that’ll be good for the kids to see.”
VanMetre is filling the shoes of Richard Lewis who has led Jefferson to four-straight state tournaments.
“Coach Lewis did a great job and you look back at coach Starkey and Lowery as well. There’s a rich history of coaching here.” VanMetre said. “I want to make my own mark but be able to follow in their path, my goal is to make the state tournament this year.”
However, state tournament appearances will not be the only way coach VanMetre plans to measure success.
“For me basketball is an important thing,” VanMetre said. “Ultimately I would like to go 25-0 and win a state championship but if I can send kids to college whether it’s playing a sport or to get a degree, and ultimately be good people, the after school success is what I want to measure.”
The Jefferson basketball program boasts a 57-17 record the last 3 seasons. VanMetre’s hiring is currently pending approval by the Jefferson County Board of Education.