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Wright steps down at H-K-T

By THOMAS GRANT JR., T&D Senior Sports Writer  Tuesday, May 22, 2007

45 comment(s) | Default | Large

NEESES -- It was two weeks ago when Hunter-Kinard-Tyler boys' basketball coach Kevin Wright essentially received a no-confidence vote from a segment of the community.

Brought forward by Norway resident John Ross, a petition asked the Orangeburg Consolidated School District Four board to remove the 32-year-old from the post he's held the last two seasons.

Instead of waiting for the board to decide whether to take any action on the request, Wright confirmed Monday he had resigned last week as boys' basketball coach.

A graduate of USC-Aiken, Wright spent six seasons as a junior varsity coach and assistant coach under his brother, Mark, at Midland Valley, before accepting a similar role at H-K-T in 2004. After the Trojans won the Class A title in 2005, he was promoted to head coach following Aric Samuels' departure for his alma mater Hartsville High School.

Wright led the Trojans to a 41-15 overall record and two straight playoff appearances during his tenure. In his first season, H-K-T won 22 games, but lost to Great Falls 57-54 in the Class A Upper State semifinals.

This past season, the Trojans overcame the absence of injured seniors Ecorie Schoefield and William Brimfield to reach the Upper State finals. H-K-T would lose a closely-fought contest to Region 4-A nemesis and eventual two-time state champion Calhoun County 55-49.

The archrival Saints and head coach Zam Fredrick would prove to be the biggest hurdle for Wright and his team. The past two seasons, H-K-T was 0-5 against Calhoun County.

Wright declined further comment about his decision Monday as school officials are currently active in finding his replacement. Despite placing an advertisement for the position which ran in newspapers around the state over the weekend, Superintendent Darrell Johnson admitted Monday it will be difficult finding a new coach given the timing of the change occurring near the end of the school year.

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45 comment(s)
The following comments are reader submitted. They do not represent the views of The T&D or Lee Enterprises.

Former teacher/student wrote on Jun 3, 2007 12:13 AM:

" Point blank, outside of Wright's situation..because he seems to be happy to be on the way out, there needs to be a clean sweep at HKT-High. Ooops, well there will be an obvious new staff, because almost all of the teachers left. Middle school has one teacher left, high school maybe 6...seems people are choosing to better their environment instead of waiting on the district to make changes. I suggest the community petition the academic perpsective of the high school. This past 06-07 school year, the principal survived behind the work of great teachers. With the influx of a new staff, the District should really see his (lack of)skills; unless of course he fraternizes again this upcoming year. "

Terrance wrote on Jun 1, 2007 12:49 PM:

" Personally, I think that Coach Wright’s resignation was a good thing. For the past 2 years, the community has been divided over his coaching tactics and less than adequate personal skills. But the question to all is “What do you really know?” I watched my brother and 2 younger cousin’s play under Wright and in watching them I can say that they have not developed into better players or better young men through his tutelage. After their experience, I don’t think the desire to continue playing ball is even there. I hear the concerns of those who say our efforts are better used somewhere else like academics, but can someone see that a start was made in athletics to getting change to happen. If you feel that there is an issue with the academics, then I ask that you please put forth the same effort as those who started the petition and maybe likewise we can see change there also. Please do not knock them for taking a course of direction and following through with it. There is a drop-out rate that is less than desirable, but understand that schools need to find ways to curve this statistics using every resource they have. Athletics is one of those ways. I open my eyes every day and see no new good paying jobs coming to the area. Scholarships in the form of athletics are just as good as those through academics. It is an opportunity for a kid to move on and reach his\her dreams in a school that is 89.1% economically disadvantaged. Bottom line is Wright isn’t getting any of these kids any closer to their dreams. Status quo was established before he got there. So winning isn’t anything new. For those who really watched a game, ask yourself “what did he bring to the table?” Ask the man how did he act, and treat these kids in the locker room. From what I have seen he cursed like a sailor and failed to show them how to take responsibility. Remember success isn’t just learned, it’s built upon. "

Alumni 21 wrote on May 31, 2007 6:01 PM:

" i keep hearing this broken record about big time coaches...it's not about wanting a big time coach. honestly, i don't know the meaning of a big time coach on the high school level. Wright walked around the high school and other athletic events like he was above everyone else because he coached HKT basketball; even though he inherited a good team. Honestly we did Wright a favor. Because with the loss of David and Tony we would have really gotten a chance to see his non-basketball skills. Personally, I lost respect for Wright when i personally saw him cheer for the opposite team at a football game during Charley's last season. And finally, let's stop using Will and Ecorie as an excuse, because he took Will's confidence his first year as head coach. and Ecorie, from wha i saw only wanted the ball when it was a fastbreak situation. So would they have made a difference...i doubt it. And knowing Derricott, or any other coach for that matter, would not have worked under a guy that didn't know how to coach the game. The bottom line is- it is about time the school board start listening to our community(i.e. Mr. Coleman and Coach Sam). More changes need to be made. "

Teacher wrote on May 31, 2007 4:26 PM:

" I must agree with the opinion of why so many of District Four people are leaving. Maybe the wrong people are leaving. The community needs to unite and take a good look at this disctrict. We are on the way down - data proven - check the test scores "

HKT Teacher wrote on May 31, 2007 4:23 PM:

" Why is our community sitting back and letting someone dictate what we want for OUR children. Let's take a look from the top down. Why can't the school leader(?) do anything without negative public reaction? Time to look for new leaders. These outsiders certainly don't have a clue as to what the community needs or wants "

In response to community... wrote on May 29, 2007 11:24 AM:

" After reading that post I, and everyone else, can only conclude that YOU are the child! Posting a message with content like that! You should be ashamed of yourself. "

Community wrote on May 29, 2007 9:27 AM:

" Dave it is apparent that you are having difficulties minding your own business. Why is HKT such a concern of yours anyway? They may not have someone knocking down doors to get there but Wright is no saint either. Somebody needs a pay check and someone will fill the position point blank! In this country people has the right or freedom to do what ever they like within the law. They fired him it's over and forget it! And as for someone keeping their children in their places and out of grown folk business who ever your parents are need to do likewise because truly you have a serious problem! You have more postings than Wright do and it's his job are you two lovers or something? It's obvious that you can't do a darn thing to and for those people so give it up Negro!!!! "

Perplexed reader wrote on May 28, 2007 2:36 PM:

" First of all I would like to think that we have bigger fish to fry than worrying about the athletics. What about the 50% drop out rate in our district, or how about the fact that our schools are receiving failing grades from the State. I am sure that Coach Wright is a good guy but I don't see anybody raising sand about failing students, test scores or trying to find out where the additional funds to assist these students is coming from. "

dazed & confused wrote on May 28, 2007 9:25 AM:

" Is HKT a high school or a sports academey? Now that you have fired a good coach there are several glaring questions: Who are you going to hire? Why would a coach to a school that has a history of not supporting coaches? Why would a big name coach come to a small school in a rural area? Are the people who ran Coach Wright out willing to pay the salary for a so called big time coach?Never fire somebody just to say you fired somebody. The only guy that would probably take the job is Willie Thomas and I wonder if they got the money to pay him. HKT you made a serious mistake and I hope you enjoy a summer without workouts, camp, and weightlifting as you search for a coach to defeat Calhoun County. I gurantee Calhoun is getting ready for next season. Unless you bring in Thomas and his baggage you have effecively set your program back 3 years. "

Class of 1988 wrote on May 26, 2007 12:37 PM:

" I think that you people are looking for coaches of old kenneth pickney, michelle nimmons, ben hunter, wally armstrong and truth be told you cant expect and old school coach in this new era of sports and new era of kids. It seems as though this guy really was doing a good job with these kids and maybe some of his ways were unorthrodox but this is an unorthrodox world that we live in. Point and case Bobby Knight one of the most unorthrodox coaches in basketball history but also one of the most successful coaches in basketball. Not in Norway anymore but this really seems personal, not professional!! And its that they way it has been in the district seems days of old. If you were a little too attractive, little to friendly with the boys or the guys, if someone in the front office didnt like you, if your cousin didnt sit or the board or in some other capacity you had to go. I think that this district needs cleaning from the top down. I think that the community should be a little more concerned about the graduation rate, the suspension rate, testing than coaching just my personal opinion. CLASS OF 1988 "

mr.football wrote on May 26, 2007 9:35 AM:

" HKT fans stop putting down your coaches and praising other coaches that are losers off the court.take zam for instance,this man has won several state championships but his players are all in adult education trying to graduate,be happy with what you have.you are not a dynasty you were known as losers in the past and you are losers now.tq "

HKT Supporter wrote on May 25, 2007 10:41 PM:

" I wonder has anyone started a petition to get a superintendent with a back bone. This appears to be the way of makings things happen at HKT Not only did mr.wright coach bball and taught math; he taught those young men the values of life. How many of those person's that signed the petition actually attend PTO, have students on the honor roll or even have an education beyond HKT? HKT has made a big mistake in letting a black male, certified in math go. We should take a good evaluation our selves before the throw the rock and try to hide out hand. "

HKT lover wrote on May 25, 2007 10:15 PM:

" Thats right but what about good coaches like Reggie McClain. He and Coach Sam Turned Ashley and Shamanita in to Legends. Of course they didnt go to a D-1 school to play ball bacuse of there size, Orangeburg district 4 is just RETATRED!!! They always let good people go. Look at Zam, The man Has Coach Calhoun since I was in the 3rd grade and im 28 now. HKT is known for basketball. Sure Sam wasnt the best his first to years but lets remember he played college ball, so he knew what he was doing. And its not our place to knock coach Wright because he's a young coach and he's not from around here. It's time people around that school and the community work together and put all the personal battles aside. What goes around comes around. and as far as the band? Somebody get their child out of grown people's business "

Dave wrote on May 25, 2007 8:08 PM:

" Coach Wright is just a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was set up to fail from the beginning. HKT did everything they could not to give him the job from the beginning. The kids got no summer work last year and they are on pace not to get any work this summer. What make the fans of HKT think that this man is not good enough to be your coach? How many state titles did HKT won before three years ago? How many times did HKT beat Calhoun before three years ago? HKT did not even win the region the year that they won the state title and they were down by 13 going into the fourth quarter. People forget about the past quickly. Coach Sam did not win a state title his first year coaching. It took HKT a number of years to get to that point. HKT lost to Latta in the state title game because it was not their time yet. Felton was above every player in the state and that is why he won a championship at UNC, and playing in the NBA. HKT fans gave Coach Sam a hard time too, and that is why he is gone. He is still winning just like the coach from Goose Creek that you guys ran off. Who else besides a coach at the beginning of his career or at the end of his career is going to come to HKT? A lot of people scream that they know the game but you do not understand business. So I guess the next person you hire have to beat Zam three times next year and win the state title or he is going to lose his job. You are giving the girl's coach a hard time when he took that team to the upperstate championship with less talent than the last two teams. It takes a lot to win a state title. Fans of HKT be careful because you may end up with no coach! "

CAROLINA BLUE 2007 wrote on May 25, 2007 3:44 PM:

" NOW YALL WANT TO DO SOMETHING GET THIS MAN ABOUT 50 GRAND A YEAR AND LET'S GET OUR BAND PROGRAM BACK THAT'S WHAT YOU DO! TELL HIM AS USEUAL THAT YALL WAS WRONG AND LET THE MARCHING BEGIN!!! "

Alumni/Community wrote on May 25, 2007 3:09 PM:

" Let's get something straight here. The Board does not always follow up with the community! Actually I am suprised that they even took what we had to say into consideration. And perhaps the board realizes that they made a mistake when they ignored the community and fired Mr. Jarrard Coleman for no reason. He was one of very few musicans; and there wasn't another like him. The board felt as though they acted in the best interst of the school, the district, and the children and guess what This hAS BEEN FOUR OR FIVE YEARS SINCE Then and HKT Band has not Marched since!!! So maybe its best that they follow up the community once and for all!!!!! "

86 Alumni wrote on May 25, 2007 9:56 AM:

" I don't know much about Coach wright and I read a lot of your post, but this I know for a fact that every coach that coached at HKT over the years according to the commnity can't coach. Here this man has done a great job with that program, OK no, he did not win the big game but look at the history of second years coaches and see what you will find. Coach Wright if you don't beleive nothing eles you read, The Bible says NO UNJUST SHALL GO UN PUNISHED, what was done to you was wrong and not right, the same folk some I have hear personally, they said Sam couldn't coach either. Keep your head up and beleived that the lord will fight your battles, no it's not fear what they did to you but it my be for your best I would like to leve this whit you Proverds: 3 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. God bless you and my heaven always smile on you. "

local basketball fan wrote on May 25, 2007 8:18 AM:

" name one great coach, that would coach HKT basketball team, All the great coaches I know have the full support of their community, and I'm sure there not going to leave for a coahing position at HKT. HKT will hire a nother young coach with hardly no basketball history, and he will do ok for his first 2 years and then he's going to develop a good basketball IQ,and start to win the big games but it takes time, not to many high school programs have sucess after a new coach takes over, 1 the kids have get use to a different teaching Method, coaching style, that takes time, I'm not knocking HKT and the community but 1A basketball are for young coashes to build up their resume and move on. "

HKT lover wrote on May 24, 2007 11:22 PM:

" Hey local basketball fan. I think there are plenty of coaches out there who would like to coach HKT basketball. Those are some intelligent student athletes over there. There was not 1 kid on that basketball team who was on academic probation this year. And as for the community yeah you all messed up. Have you ever heard the phrase "If It Aint Broke Dont Fix It." Well getting a new coach might break the same thing that got HKT boys basketball to the level where thy're at now. Who ever he is might just turn the team into somebody like Wagener-Salley or Edisto? "

To Outsider wrote on May 24, 2007 10:04 PM:

" I agree that what happend to Wright was wrong, but not once have I read that the community wants a "Big Time" coach. "

HKT Alumni wrote on May 24, 2007 9:52 PM:

" When is this bickering going to stop. Community you got what you wanted, which was to not have Coach Wright as the basketball coach. Let it go and move on. We are only showing our ignorance to the entire county over such a menial issue. I can assure you that Coach Wright is no longer losing sleep over this matter. We are putting him in the limelight and helping him to get his props from other schools where he will be valued. The issue is not and should not be about sports, coaches or records. We need to place our emphasis on raising student achievement at HKT (both elemntary and high) and making sure our kids do not become a victim to this dangerous and crazy world we live in. "

local basketball fan wrote on May 24, 2007 9:34 PM:

" name one great coach, that would coach HKT basketball team. "

HKT Parent wrote on May 24, 2007 7:53 PM:

" What is going on? Are we (the community) right to decide who should have a job at our school? Is this about basketball or education. I've been to PTA meeting and basketball games and not to my surprise more people are at basketball games. Sure, I love the basketball program at our school, but we cant knock a man who is not only the coach but an educator to those boys. If anything he should hire a new staff and get stephon milhouse off of his bench. from what i saw at the games he was running the same trap defense that coach Sam brought in. The only place he messed up was plaing a half court game, and everybody knows HKT is a run "n" gun team, so some of that is his fault. another thing is the season could've started off better if Antonio James would have played against Denmark the first to games. But who am I to judge. The man is a great guy to me. I dont know what goes on behind the scene but all looks well. And why do people always separate the football program and the basketball program. Yeah they did a good thing when they got rid of Charley and yeah they messed up when the let Sam go, but who was with Sam on the bench when they won the State Championship? We all need to grow up and stop blamming each other. People make mistakes. Now With the girrls and coach Staley yeah that was just a dumb Idea to stop trappin when its winning you the game. now he should be gon. But face it We just ggot rid of a Math teacher and he's a good math teacher. Lets face it Sam and Josh isnt coming back anytime soon. Sam's fate was the same as ours this year. upper state finals and lost. But if Corie and Will wouldnt've got hurt and if Detrick wouldnt have fouled out of the upper state championship would HKT Be champions. I dont know but Wright did a good job and i thank him for working with my son these past 3 years and If people at HKT would swallow their pride and help each other out then who knows what would've happen. i like how Derricott came in and changed the football program, because those boys needed that. The home town hero came in and turned around a dismal program. But I say give wright the job back and let him and derricott work 2gether and maybe a state championship could be on the way. "

outsider wrote on May 24, 2007 7:48 PM:

" It's amazing seeing how many post are being made in reagrds to this article and situation. I really didn't know how enthusiastic the fans at HKT were about sports. Anyways, I hate to bust your bubbles, but some of you people are being dillusional thinking that HKT can attract or bring in a BIG TIME COACH to a 1A school in the middle of nowhere that just allowed a petition to oust a guy with a 41-15 record. No one of ability will touch that place with 10 ft pole. I just can't see how it can happen. Big time coaches go to big-time schools. HKT is no big time school and I'm being very kind with that statement. Looking at HKT's history, you've never had a big time coach walk through your doors. Aric Samuels was the best coach in any sport HKT ever had as far as I've heard of and he got the HKT job coming straight out of SCSU with no experience. If he were a qualified teacher, HKT would have never kept him as long as they did. I know for a fact that the AD's at O-W and Holly Hill wanted him badly. This Wright guy was the JV coach under Samuels from what I remember when he got the job. I wonder who else even applied? Your football coach had no experience and got the job after the community whined to the board. The only other coaches to apply were Tony Felder (LOL!!!) and Carlos Cave according to the T&D. There was a mess over there about that situation too. I think Cave was hired or favored, but the community pushed for Dericott or something. It won't be long before HKT gets a repuation like Denmark if they keep that crap up to and no one will want to come out there. But where in all of this does anyone see HKT having the ability or appeal to or attract a BIG TIME COACH? Or even have big time coaches apply? If a 1A school has a good coach, they had better hold on to him. It's only a matter of time before bigger fish in the ocean of HS athletics come along and swoop them up anyway. I hope Thomas Grant can give us a list of all the people who applies for this job. "

HKT Observer wrote on May 24, 2007 5:31 PM:

" I think you nailed it HKT Fan when you talked about the level of "legends" around HKT... You've been to the Football games and have seen the group standing by the fence barking orders to the coaches and players. You'd think they all had PHDs in coaching. And I'd love to point out one thing...how much success did many of those guys have a t HKT in their day? Owned!!! "

HKT Alumni c/o 94' via Atl, GA wrote on May 24, 2007 4:28 PM:

" ~local BBAll Fan~ That is not the point of the story. Who said anything about $50,000? What? 20 win season? Beat OW, Calhoun, Lake Marion and Bowman and beat Denmark by 30 points? Send 5 players to the NBA? What are you talking about? You said all these things, I didn't! You are doing what they call reaching. You are reaching to try and make your point when its clear what I've been saying. There are way better coaches than Wright. HKT needs to get them one. Stop making up stuff and come with some facts or zip it! You act like Wright is the only Black man with a degree that knows basketball in the county. He is NOT. He has a degree and knows a little Bball. His coaching skills are ok but we need better. Wipe me down! "

HKT Alumni c/o 94' via Atl, GA wrote on May 24, 2007 4:04 PM:

" I may be in Atlanta HKT FAN but I am well connected you better believe that. I'm only three hours away so that means if you get outta pocket I can drive down, smack you around and be home by dinner. HKT FAN, put it like this; Brimfield wasn't even on the map until Coach Derricott took out the time and effort to drive him up to UNC for camp. With the football record that HKT had the year before that’s the only way any college would even look at the kid Brimfield. Charley & Duren are only responsible for the 0-11 record. That’s it! HKT should have had a parade for the 6 wins because its more wins than the Trojans had the prior 4 years combined under Charley. Get it right, some fan you are. You must like losing, I guess you like math too. O and yeah, HIGHSCHOOL: 3 years All-Conference athlete at HKT basketball & football, 93-94 All-State basketball player & All State Football player, honor roll student & great role model. COLLEGE: MEAC Rookie of the year, MEAC Defensive Player of the year, SCSU MVP of the year, PRO: invited to Bmore Ravens tryouts, waived because of injuries. He represented our school and community to the fullest, and no one did it before him and so far no one has done it since. That’s why he is celebrated as a local celebrity and school legend. You better show some respect and honor him. I don't even have to say his name. You’re the HKTFAN you say it... "

local basketball fan wrote on May 24, 2007 2:56 PM:

" HKT Alumni c/o 94' via Atlanta, once again you lose the point of the story. I read what you wrote, but in small town high school sports they can't afford to just hire a basketball coach, that person has to be able to teach. Once again this is not SCSU, USC, Clemson. You stated,"The community feels there is a better coach out there for the money," WHAT MONEY, does the head basketball coach at HKT get paid 50,000, without teaching a class. No! I really think that the pressure to win at this school is hugh :). You are expected to make it to the championship game every year, 20 plus win season. Sent 5 players to the NBA sorry NCAA D1 program. Beat OW, Calhoun, Lake Marion and Bowman and beat Denmark by 30 points. If you don't do that the you will get fired. That sounds like big time college basketball to me. "

To C/O 92 ALUMNI wrote on May 24, 2007 2:05 PM:

" Thats why you are not the Athletic Director. Its not a question of Math vs BBall. He can continue to teach math. No one fired him, he was voted out because his coaching skills are not up to par. This ain't a church league, Its Trojan Basketball, get it right! "

HKT Fan wrote on May 24, 2007 2:02 PM:

" HKT Alumni c/o 94' via Atlanta, GA Well your points are amusing being in ATL like you know what is going on. If I recall coach sam didn't win a championship before coach wright became his asistiant. Coach Sam has given coach wright a lot of credit of help hkt final beat zam and a win a championship. It was true partnership between coach sam and coach wright. Coach wright was in charge of SUBSTITUTION during that year. As well as a johnny come lately football coach didn't get a player a college scholarship it was duren and charley get your facts right before you open your mouth. Also winning 6 games lets have parade(not!) We will see what he does without that senior class that he rips all the time. Please win something in football before you knock wright on his accomplishments. Also, I didn't think that a basketball game is more important than a good education. Well I guess that why we have so many problems down here with less educated people like you. Also when the superintendent is weak like we have a make a decision like this it's know other person you can get to appeal to especially when a board member is easly sway in one direction or another especially your Roids cousin is the football coach and that is somewhat of a legend or hero to you people. It seems your standards of being legend is extremely low. Wake up and smell the cramp you step in!!! WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND!!! "

HKT 92 ALUMNI wrote on May 24, 2007 12:46 PM:

" Math over basketball? Yall kidding right? If I was the AD at HKT I would hire the first person that the community wants, regardless of credentials, education, or knowledge of the sport. Good luck Coach Wright and I hope you get a job where the community values education over sports. "

HKT Alumni c/o 94' via Atlanta, GA wrote on May 24, 2007 10:53 AM:

" To Amused Observer - this is the real world for some of us. It’s OUR community and OUR kids that go to HKT attend school together k-12. We know the kids here, see them in church, know there families, see them grow, are happy when they are happy, sad when they are sad, and proud when our kids achieve. We want the very BEST for them. We hope and pray that they can become outstanding individuals one day and are able to travel and see the world. You are only an Amused Observer, try being a Silent Observer before you get ran out like Wright....so you can just beat it and stay in your lane, respectively of course. "

HKT Alumni c/o 94' via Atlanta, GA wrote on May 24, 2007 10:32 AM:

" No one compared HKT to SCSU, USC, Clemson or UNC but you ~local BBall fan~ If you think small, expect small things to happen. We want a better BBall coach, whats wrong with that? No matter how good of a Math teacher he is its just not working out on the BBall court. I agree with RProphet his substitution patterns were weak and definatley needs work. Wright, who came behind a championship caliber coach like Samuels, it was a big drop in coaching talent and that was clear. Samuels had no problem kicking Zam's CC teams up and down the court a couple of years ago. So to ~local basketball fan's blog~ Zam is a great coach but Coach Samuels was a young coach straight from college as a player and out coached Zam in several games. He knew the game, prepared his teams, very good substitution patterns, and looked as though he had some type of strategy or game plan. Wright's teams just played with the heart of champions but lacked true inspiration & instruction. Yes, there are many problems in our communities here in Norway, Springfield, etc. I grew up in those communities. The park in Norway is where I spent many days preparing for the season as many still do chasing the SC Basketball State Title. Its the love for the game of basketball that kept me and my teammates from being a drop out, in gangs, or dope boys and I'm sure basketball will be a saviour for many others that follow. It makes the journey that much more fun when you have a coach who knows what there doing. Its not personal its business. The community feels there is a better coach out there for the money, the district agrees, Wright didn't put up much of a fight so he got let go as a coach. He should have doubled back and created his own petition and gotten the community to sign off on it. He gave up on it. No one will know if its a good decision until the HKT administration signs on a new coach and the season starts. I'll have to side with the community and the HKT administration with this one. After all, they hired Derricott last year and fired the old football coach and we actually won more than two games last season, plus we just missed the playoffs, and developed our communities first Div I football prospect. HKT I hope you've started your interviewing process cause ALL EYES ARE ON YOU for next season. "

Amused Observer wrote on May 24, 2007 9:46 AM:

" Yall are a trip. Actin like Class A basketball is a big deal and running a coach out of town.... Get out and see the real world yall. "

local basketball fan wrote on May 23, 2007 7:04 PM:

" WoW, I can't believe what I'm hearing. Big Time Coach, Big Time Money, Big Time Program, HKT is not the University of North Carolina, Not USC, Not SCSU,and Not Clemson. This is small town high school basketball team in the middle of nowhere. You need to be happy with what ever coach you can get. Also get a coach better then ZAM, please thats like saying Shaw university should get a coach better the Roy Williams or Coach K its not going to happpen. I don't know this young coach, but from what I read he's a Math teacher, a college gradute, a basketball coach, and a positive black male for these young black males. That doesn't sound to bad to me. We need to support our young black coaches. I tell you this those 100 and something people that sign the petition need to address the real issues in your town like gangs, drop out rate, unemployment, drugs, that one cop that keep pulling everybody over that drives one mile over the speed limit, you know what I'm talking about.:) "

TO RProphet wrote on May 23, 2007 6:12 PM:

" Do the community get this involed with any educational aspects? The pride and joy should be what is being taught in the class rooms. The community of HKT has their priorities all backwards. You can show up in droves for basketball games, but half of them dont even know what day report cards are being issued. "

HKT Fan wrote on May 23, 2007 5:06 PM:

" I am not trying to be funny, but what big time coach will be willing to come to a district that does not pay a lot of money. If you want a big time coach, it takes big time money and control. Watch college programs when they hire colleges. "

RProphet/HKT Alumni wrote on May 23, 2007 3:56 PM:

" This move was strickly about Championship expectations. Many felt that Coach Wright make substitutions during periods of the game against CC that placed HKT in a position to loose. This was a pattern throughout the season. Yes, the community must make decisions about the way their sports team is directed. The Basketball teams are the pride of the area and places a positive spin on the HKT community. If Math was important to Coach Wright he could have stayed on as The Math Teacher. "

HKT Alumni c/o 94' via Atlanta, GA wrote on May 23, 2007 10:34 AM:

" You should never OUT a guy without having a significant backup in place. Not saying that he didn't deserve to be OUTTED, he has his faults in the coaching arena. Sometimes I've watched games and wondered if he actually played basketball. Although, a record of 41-15 in two years for most schools would be great. HKT has always been fearless on the basketball tip and a %60 percent winning percentage is average when you consider the strength our teams and how we are used to dominating in region play. If you check our schools background stats we usually on average lose between 3-5 games a year during regular season and ofcorse postseason one game and your out. Post season is where the games count the most because its win or go home. 0-5 against CC pretty much did it for him. He couldn't get our boys over that hump when the talent is there. The school and the community are valid in there feelings they needed an upgrade in head Boys Bball. Zam Fredrick is a dominant coach in our region but he is not the BEST. We now have the chance to hire the BEST or something close. HKT needs to advertise the job, send your new coach to a coaches clinics, and players to b-ball camp leave the past in the past and have fun this year. "

DediKation05 wrote on May 22, 2007 11:36 PM:

" This here is some crazy stuff. "The Community" making decisions now. What is Orangeburg 4 doing. As a graduate of HKT Class of 2005, I am not very proud of the District I graduated from. They are getting rid of one of the best math teachers I have ever had. Facts out way numbers in any matter. Come on Orangeburg 4...What is the point of electing individuals to serve on the board, if the community is going to make the decisions....This is a bunch of mess, if I was Coach Wright, I would leave too. I know it would be hard, but I am proud of the decision he, Coach Wright, made. I wish you the best... "

HKT Alumni-2 wrote on May 22, 2007 10:34 PM:

" When are the administrators, superintendent, and school board going to stop allowing the community to makes decisons on how HKT is ran? It was the community that helped Derricott get his job and the same community to get Coach Wright out. Not to mention the fact, that not only do you have to find coach but a math teacher as well. A coach that can teach a core subject other than PE, weighlifting and driver's ed is hard to come by. Did the community think about that? If we are going to allow the community to decide who should or should not receive a contract then both HKT High and HKT Elementary have a lot of people in positions that should not be offered a contracts. Decisions need to be based on facts and not personal opinions. "

Dave wrote on May 22, 2007 8:30 PM:

" What is district four doing to have two coaches leave in two weeks? First the Branchville Coach now this. "

Chosen One wrote on May 22, 2007 2:54 PM:

" Ron, No I do not think that is the case, when you have an authority over a Team of young people, it does not mean for you to throw your weight around, you must help the ones you are chosen to have authority over, not hender...therefore I am not in a place to judge, but I have been around bro. Wright when he is out of the lime light,,the tone of language he uses toward the kids are unjustified...its terrible,,,Lord help him...to sum it up, the school needs someone who will be there for the students.... "

HKT ALUMNI wrote on May 22, 2007 2:27 PM:

" If you knew anything about basketball you would know that this man isn't a coach dummy. Even more important it is not about Calhoun County its about Academics as well something that Calhoun County don't know anything about! And that is something They Can't beat HKT in. "

Ron wrote on May 22, 2007 7:55 AM:

" Was he fired because he went 0-5 against Calhoun County? "



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BRIAN LINDER/T&D Kevin Wright reacts to an official's call during a game against Calhoun County this past season. Wright stepped down as head coach of the Hunter-Kinard-Tyler boys' basketball team on Tuesday.

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