Henderson named girls’ head coach

MEEKER I The Meeker Board of Education accepted the resignation of girls’ basketball coach Neil Joy at a special meeting Dec. 29 and named Deb Henderson the new coach at its regular board meeting Jan. 4.
Goettel said the administrative team, consisting of herself, high school principal George Henderson and activities director Brett Steinacher were directed by the board to contact current coaches in the Meeker School District, then others in the school system, before opening the position up to the public.
The team did not have to go far into the process, finding the coach they wanted already under contract in the middle school. Henderson resigned as head coach of the eighth-grade girls’ team Dec. 31, then practiced with the high school team Jan. 3, as a volunteer assistant before being approved by the board Tuesday.
Barone Middle School teacher Greg Chintala also interviewed with the administrative team for the high school position. Chintala coached the high school girls in the 1990s.
Henderson has coached in the Meeker system, including the Barone Middle School boys’ basketball team, which finished its season last month. Henderson coached in Eagle Valley for three years and had four years of experience in Glenwood Springs.
Goettel said the administrative team also spoke with current assistant coach Mike Dinwiddie, who will stay on as an assistant, as will David Snell.
The board approved Barone Middle School teacher Kris Casey to replace Henderson as the eighth-grade coach.
Henderson will coach her first two games on the road, as Meeker plays in Hayden Friday and Vail Saturday, Jan. 8.