Phelps resigns at Brown County

David Phelps is taking a break.

Phelps resigned as coach of the Brown County boys’ basketball team Thursday, and said Saturday that he will also resign from his baseball coaching post at the conclusion of this season.

Phelps said he made the decision based on a number of factors, one being that he didn’t enjoy coaching as much as he once did.

“This (basketball season) was a little bit of a struggle for us, and most people might think that was the reason, but I’ve had worse seasons,” Phelps said. “I’ve coached for 15 years, and this year just wasn’t as much fun as it could have been.

“It’s not that it was the kids’ fault. My heart just wasn’t in it,” he said. “So instead of going through the motions the next year or two, I thought it might be time to step away.”

Phelps also said his family played a role in the decision. The coach has one son who is a freshman at Brown County; another son is in junior high in Carthage.

Phelps’ oldest son plays basketball at the school, and the coach said he wanted to avoid any type of conflict that stemmed from him having to play a dual role as both parent and coach.

“I debated about this in my head, how his and my relationship would go on,” Phelps said. “I don’t want him to hear that he’s playing too much because he’s my son, or him to be mad at me for not playing him because he’s my son.

“I don’t want anything to jeopardize that,” the coach continued. “I think it’s just time for me to be a father, and not a coach.”

Phelps came to Brown County eight years ago, and served as an assistant coach under Van Wilson before becoming the head basketball coach in 2004. He became the school’s head baseball coach in 2003.

Phelps led the Hornets to a 65-70-1 record during his first five seasons as the baseball coach, including winning seasons in both 2005 and 2006.

The coach enjoyed more success on the hardwood, however, posting a 77-41 overall record the past four years. Phelps’ 2006-07 basketball team finished the season with a 26-7 record and an appearance at the state tournament.

He said the experience of playing in the state tournament would be the thing he’d remember most about coaching at Brown County.

“That experience was something I’ll never forget. The day before, practicing down there and talking to all the media, the hype was unbelievable,” Phelps said. “You really just can’t describe it. It’s what every coach dreams about.”

Phelps said his favorite part of coaching was simply teaching the game. Phelps started out as a junior high coach at Avon 15 years ago, and eventually became the junior varsity coach at Colchester (what is now West Prairie) before coming to Mount Sterling.

“There are so many good kids that have come through here at Brown County, and at Colchester, too,” Phelps said. “I just enjoy teaching the game, discipline and respect. It’s just an amazing sport when it all comes together, and even when you struggle, you see the good things that come out of it.”

Phelps didn’t rule out a return to coaching, but said it wouldn’t happen soon.

“This will be it for me for awhile,” he said. “I’m not saying that I’ll never coach again, because I might. But it won’t happen for a few years.”