CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice says he’s stepping down as head coach of the boys basketball team at Greenbrier East High School, but intends to continue coaching the girls squad.
In a release from Jeff Campbell, Greenbrier East’s veteran play-by-play broadcaster, Justice said he notified county Superintendent Jeff Bryant.
The governor’s office issued its own version of the announcement, including a quote from Justice, saying he’ll miss his coaching duties with the boys team.
“First and foremost, beyond any doubt, my chief responsibility is to serve the people of West Virginia as their elected governor,” Justice stated. “That said, I will surely miss coaching and mentoring all of these fine young men.”
This past year, Justice managed to balance his new duties as governor with a jam-packed coaching schedule. His Greenbrier East basketball teams were special guests, clad in green uniforms, during his inauguration ceremony in January.
“Believe me, I’m not going to shirk one responsibility in the world, whether it be with the state or these kids,” Justice told The Associated Press last year about his double duties. “But my first and foremost obligation — there’s no question — is to be the governor.”
A twist in scheduling made the feat a bit easier, though. Because of Justice’s inauguration, the annual legislative session was pushed back a month from January to February. By then, much of the basketball season was already complete.
This year, that won’t be the case. The legislative session begins in early January, only partway through the hoops schedule.
Justice has coached the boys team since 2010-11. As the news release noted, he won his 100th game faster than any coach ever at Greenbrier East. Under Justice, the Spartans were 103-48 (.682) in six seasons, highlighted by two 20-win campaigns.
Justice has coached the girls teams since 2000. Over 17 seasons, his girls teams have won 314 games, including 13 sectional titles, nine regional titles, with two state championship game appearances, including a victory in the 2012 Class AAA state championship.