By Bart Moss

For the FCT

After nine years as the head coach of the Tharptown Wildcats girls basketball program, Chad Green has decided it’s time to move on. Green was named the new girls basketball coach at Belgreen High School Tuesday night at the Franklin County Board of Education meeting.

Green has enjoyed a lot of success as the Wildcats coach, winning three area championships, appearing in five subregion games and making the Northwest Regional Tournament twice, but now he feels like it’s time for a change.

“I had a great situation at Tharptown from a coaching and teaching standpoint,” said Green.  “We enjoyed a lot of success and had some really good players who worked really hard. In the coaching business, sometimes we need a new challenge. It was not an easy decision by any stretch. We spent a lot of time in prayer and felt like this was where the Lord was leading us.”

Green cited Belgreen’s rich basketball tradition as one of the deciding factors in making the change as well.

“At Belgreen, basketball is the main thing,” said Green.  “It always has been. They have a great tradition, great community support, and they get really involved in the game.”

Green said he believes the program was left in good shape by Patrick Odom, who left Belgreen earlier this summer to take over the Russellville boys basketball program.

“I believe they have done a good job in the weight room and with their conditioning,” he said. “Coach Odom did a good job. I just have to incorporate the system of basketball that I think will give us the best chance to succeed.”

Green believes both the short-term and long-term prospects look good for the program.

“I think it is very realistic we can compete for the area championship immediately,” said Green. “There is a good group of girls returning. Long-term the future looks very bright. There is a lot of talent in the junior high program and a hunger to win. I am looking forward to getting started.”

Belgreen is still looking to hire someone to fill their boy’s basketball and baseball coaching vacancy.

Green’s transfer also means Tharptown will be looking to fill a girl’s basketball coaching vacancy.