Head coach Frank Staple will not return to Scott Central

sports@standard-democrat.com

Head basketball coach Frank Staple will not return for a fourth season at Scott County Central.

The two-time state championship coach has accepted a position as the junior high principal within the Sikeston school district. He took over the head coaching duties at Scott Central in 2013 after serving as an assistant the previous three years.

Staple, who confirmed the move early Friday but could not be reached by phone before press time, leaves Scott County Central with a head coaching record of 69-23.

"The Scott County Central school district has been extremely fortunate to have him in our system," Scott Central superintendent Al McFerren said. "He was my first choice when coach Wright left a few years ago. He's been in the system and knows the system very well. He exceeded expectations and quite frankly took it to another level. Personally he's a good quality person and he will be greatly missed."

Staple led the Braves to back-to-back state championships with the latest being a Class 2 state title in March after defeating Mid-Buchanan 53-48 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. It was Scott County Central's 18th state championship in school history, which is by far the most in Missouri state history. It was Scott Central's second Class 2 title after winning 16 in Class 1.

McFerren gave no hint as to who may fill one of the regions most appealing coaching positions but was assured that as soon as the job is posted many will answer. More than 30 applicants applied for the position three years ago.

"We'll do what we normally do and post the position and see what we come up with," he said. "We received several applicants the last time and it was responded to extremely well from veteran coaches and those not in the profession very long. It is a attractive position and one that a lot of coaches would love to lead. I'd anticipate we'd have a huge response and why wouldn't you with it being as successful as it it's been."

Staple proceeded three-time state champion coach Kenyon Wright who took over for Hall of Fame coach Ronnie Cookson in 2010. The Braves have won six state championships over the last seven seasons.

"With the standard set before him by previous coaches and the job that they've done, coach Staple met and exceeded those standards as far as I'm concerned," McFerren said. "He's a quality individually and coach. He was more than what we anticipated and that's saying something. It's going to be hard to those fill shoes."