Published: November 20, 2007 02:03 pm      

Vardeman resigns as Jags coach

Hubbard coach Mark Vardeman turned in his resignation Friday after violating a school policy, said Athletic Director Clay Mayo.

It was not clear what policy Vardeman violated. Messages left with Vardeman Tuesday were not returned and Mayo would not elaborate.

“It was nothing illegal,” Mayo said. “It’s standard with every district. It’s never been something I’ve had to worry about.”

Vardeman was heading into his eighth season as boys basketball coach, but wasn’t on the bench Friday in Hubbard’s season opener against Aquilla.

It is possible this could be the program’s biggest year with seven seniors, including four 4-year starters. The Jaguars tied for the District 13-1A championship last season.

Mayo, who is in his first year at Hubbard, said there was no disagreement with Vardeman — the only returning coach from a summer exodus of 13 coaches and teachers.

“He’s been good to me, I’m definitely going to give him the respect that he deserves,” Mayo said.

Vardeman was also a defensive line coach and the assistant baseball.

Mayo met with the team and staff to decide what to do about the head coaching position.

“The whole thing is we’re going to take care of our kids,” Mayo said. we’re going to do what’s best to take care of (them).”

Ronnie Striplin, who coached the Jaguars against Aquilla, was named coach, possibly because of the players’ input.

“We liked the way coach Striplin stepped up for that game,” senior Stephen Chapman said. “Because that’s a lot of pressure coming in — coming into a team that has this many expectations in the town, having to take over that team.”

Vardeman’s resignation still has to be formally accepted at the next Hubbard ISD board meeting.

“We’re still disappointed, but we’ve also got to understand that we’ve got to think about it, but we’ve also got to move on,” senior Josh Chatman said. “We’re still going to be here.”

Hubbard has started the season with two wins by 20 points or more.

“The only thing is, I don’t want to screw it up,” Striplin said. “I’ve got a good team, I know that. Coach Vardeman had put them where they needed to be, so it’s really not me ... It ain’t the coach, it’s the kids. That’s a fact.”