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Jay Rexroth never thought he would make it 26 years as a high school basketball coach.
Minutes after announcing Wednesday night that he had stepped down as Dallastown's girls basketball coach, Rexroth said it was the biggest surprise of his career.
It wasn't the former players who returned to coach with him. It wasn't the players who went on to play in college. It wasn't the division and league titles his teams won, or finally securing the school's first District 3 basketball crown in what will be his final season.
Rexroth was surprised he got here at all.
"When I first started, I would’ve never thought that I would’ve been a head coach for 26 years combined on the boys and girls sides," he said. "Time just flies by."
Rexroth led the Dallastown boys program to a 233-72 record in 17 seasons. He spent the next years as an assistant at Dover and York Suburban before being lured back to the Wildcats after the 2015-16 season. He coached the girls to a 178-72 record, earning his 300th win in 2020.
The coaching giant never was one for his personal win-loss record. Ask him where his total stood, and he had no idea. He repeated that Wednesday night, saying only that his wins are "over 400."
He quietly hit that milestone this year, midway through the Wildcats' second straight 27-win season.
Top players: GameTimePA announces YAIAA girls basketball all-stars, player of the year
"Stepping away has been one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make," Rexroth said in an email. "The role of a varsity head coach comes with high expectations and an unrelenting time commitment — especially when maintaining the high standards and success that have defined this program.
"I feel that now is the right time for me to pursue a new challenge — something that comes with less responsibility and allows for a better life balance moving forward."
Rexroth said he has something cooking, but it's too early to discuss his next chapter.
Rexroth is the second girls basketball to resign this offseason. Kevin Bankos announced his retirement from coaching shortly after York Catholic won their 15th District 3 title.
Seniors Alonna Dowell, Campbell O'Neill, Harper Poff and YAIAA Division I Player of the Year Praise Matthews will be leaving with him. Junior Ava Jamison returns to lead a young Wildcats squad.
Rexroth coached his teams to a combined five league titles and this year's district title.
"These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of our talented players, the hard work of my assistant coaches, and the unwavering support of our parents," Rexroth said in his email.
Shelly Stallsmith covers York-Adams high school sports for GameTimePA and the USAToday Network. Connect with her by email [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter @ShelStallsmith.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: District 3 girls basketball: YAIAA coach resigns after winning title
Continue reading...
Minutes after announcing Wednesday night that he had stepped down as Dallastown's girls basketball coach, Rexroth said it was the biggest surprise of his career.
It wasn't the former players who returned to coach with him. It wasn't the players who went on to play in college. It wasn't the division and league titles his teams won, or finally securing the school's first District 3 basketball crown in what will be his final season.
Rexroth was surprised he got here at all.
"When I first started, I would’ve never thought that I would’ve been a head coach for 26 years combined on the boys and girls sides," he said. "Time just flies by."
Rexroth led the Dallastown boys program to a 233-72 record in 17 seasons. He spent the next years as an assistant at Dover and York Suburban before being lured back to the Wildcats after the 2015-16 season. He coached the girls to a 178-72 record, earning his 300th win in 2020.
The coaching giant never was one for his personal win-loss record. Ask him where his total stood, and he had no idea. He repeated that Wednesday night, saying only that his wins are "over 400."
He quietly hit that milestone this year, midway through the Wildcats' second straight 27-win season.
Top players: GameTimePA announces YAIAA girls basketball all-stars, player of the year
"Stepping away has been one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make," Rexroth said in an email. "The role of a varsity head coach comes with high expectations and an unrelenting time commitment — especially when maintaining the high standards and success that have defined this program.
"I feel that now is the right time for me to pursue a new challenge — something that comes with less responsibility and allows for a better life balance moving forward."
Rexroth said he has something cooking, but it's too early to discuss his next chapter.
Rexroth is the second girls basketball to resign this offseason. Kevin Bankos announced his retirement from coaching shortly after York Catholic won their 15th District 3 title.
Seniors Alonna Dowell, Campbell O'Neill, Harper Poff and YAIAA Division I Player of the Year Praise Matthews will be leaving with him. Junior Ava Jamison returns to lead a young Wildcats squad.
Rexroth coached his teams to a combined five league titles and this year's district title.
"These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of our talented players, the hard work of my assistant coaches, and the unwavering support of our parents," Rexroth said in his email.
Shelly Stallsmith covers York-Adams high school sports for GameTimePA and the USAToday Network. Connect with her by email [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter @ShelStallsmith.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: District 3 girls basketball: YAIAA coach resigns after winning title
Continue reading...
