WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Ashley High School's head basketball coach, Bryn McSwain, has resigned. McSwain informed his team of the decision late last week.
"I thought about telling them earlier in the season." McSwain said. "This was never going to turn into a Disney movie, but I am going out the right way."
McSwain resigned in order to spend more time with his family and to pursue his graduate degree, he will retain his teaching duties.
"I've been doing this for 11 years and as a coach you get one month off a year for the dead period. I've missed way to much of my son growing up and he's only three."
In five seasons at Ashley McSwain has compiled a 50-62 overall record. He leaves after what was his best season as a head coach. The Screaming Eagles finished 17-9 which includes a first-ever win over New Hanover and a third place finish in the Mideastern conference.
"To go out with this group of guys is very special to me." McSwain said. "I may not be their coach anymore but I still have the keys to the gym, there will be plenty of pickup games down the road."
According to director of athletics Roy Turner a search for McSwains replacement will begin immediately. Assistant coaches Scott Martin and Erik Holley will serve as interim coaches until the position is filled.
"Someone is walking into a pretty good situation and I hope I can be there to make the transition easier for everybody." McSwain said. "I'll still be around and would love to move into an administrative role down the road because this place means so much to me."
"Bryn has helped Ashley basketball become a reputable program in New Hanover county and the MidEastern Conference," said Martin. "This was the first year both men's teams finished with winning records. He laid a great foundation for the program to build on."
Martin said it's important to remember they plan to continue growing the program and moving forward.
"One winning season is not good enough for anyone," explained Martin. "There are a lot of talented players at Ashley that are hungry for more. We plan to keep working hard and building on what we've accomplished already. A good work ethic and sense of the game have been instilled in these young men. As a program you hate to lose someone like Bryn, but his influence will leave a lasting impact on the life of each player he had the opportunity to coach."
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Bryn McSwain has resigned as head coach at Ashley
