By Bart Moss / For the FCT

Tharptown High School will be searching for two new head varsity basketball coaches to lead their teams next year. Both Jonathan Odom’s and Marc Tracey’s resignations were accepted by the Franklin County Board of Education at Tuesday’s board meeting.

“We are going to open the jobs up for application, form a search committee and find the best possible fit for our student athletes,” said Tharptown Principal Barry Laster. “Our basketball programs have high expectations, and we want to find someone who is committed to growing the program and being a positive influence on our student athletes.”

Odom, who now serves as an assistant principal at Tharptown High School for half a day and Tharptown Elementary School for half a day, is the only varsity boys basketball the school has had. He coached the team for 11 years, compiling a record of 174-125. Under Odom’s leadership, the Wildcats made the playoffs six of the 11 years and won their area three times. He was named 1A Coach of the Year in 2010.

“It has been an honor and privilege to represent Tharptown,” said Odom. “When I started I hoped to build to a successful program and have a positive influence on the lives of young athletes. I hope I’ve accomplished those goals. I want to thank the players and coaches who have helped along the way.”

Odom cited increased responsibilities with administrative duties and spending more time with his wife and two young girls as his reason for stepping down.

Tracey, who has served as the varsity girls basketball coach for two years, has a newborn daughter and a young son and wants to spend more time with his family.

“I have an hour long commute every day and two young children,” said Tracey. “It’s not fair to my wife and kids that I’m gone as much as I am. They deserve more of my attention.”

“I had a great group of girls to work with the last two years,” said Tracey. “They gave everything they had, and that is all I could ask of them. They were awesome.”

Superintendent Greg Hamilton said he thanked the two coaches for their service. “They’re going to be hard to replace,” Hamilton said. “It was a little bit of a surprise, both of them resigning.”

The resignations are in relations to each’s basketball coaching duties only.

Hamilton said the positions will be posted immediately. The school board will look to fill from within the system first.