Search For New Plainsmen Basketball Coach Is Picking Up

The search for Laramie High School’s new boys’ basketball coach is beginning to ramp up with the position now closed for applicants.

After Travis Brown chose to step down last month, Laramie High School began their exploration for a replacement, as they posted the position of boys’ basketball coach March 14. The position closed Wednesday, April 3.

Laramie High School Athletics and Activities Director Ron Wagner explained they felt the need to move quickly to find a replacement.

“Coaching is a 12-month type of deal, so we need to go and we need to find the next coach quickly, so they can get things set-up for the summer programs, they can start introducing themselves to the athletes, get used to all the people that are involved in the program, and make sure that we’ve got the best opportunity to get the best people to help push the program to the next level.”

The next step is the screening process. A search committee comprised of administrators, teachers, members of the community, and student-athletes will trim down the pool of applicants. After that has been decided, the committee will interview their top choices and make a selection.

“We’re hoping we can do some interviews next week,” said Wagner. “For the program’s health, we’re trying to move this along on a process and a timeline that’s quick, so that we can get moving forward, and we don’t miss too much.”

As for what they are looking for, Wagner believes they need to approach this with a very open mind.

“That’s usually when you get surprised the most, and you can maybe find someone that can continue the growth and success that Coach Brown started three years ago.”

Wagner mentioned there’s been a lot of interest.

“Anytime you’ve got a high-profile position like this, in a sport like this, there’s a lot of people that are going to throw their name in the hat. We’re hoping through that process we find someone that’s going to do, not only what’s best for our students academically and building them into great citizens, but also be able to spread their passion and love for the game of basketball.”

Wagner admitted interest has been really good, and he feels good about the pool of applicants, but he couldn’t talk about specifics.

The candidate chosen as the new head coach of the Laramie Plainsmen basketball program will need to be approved by the Albany County School District No. 1 School Board.