Gary Compton’s life got a little more hectic recently.
The new varsity girls basketball coach at Apalachee High School was placed behind the 8-ball to a degree since he was not officially hired until the summer. However, Compton isn’t letting that stop him from jumping into his new job with both feet.
Compton arrives at AHS by way of Flowery Branch where he was an assistant coach for the boys basketball program. (He was set to begin working with the Lady Falcons during the upcoming season.)
Previously, Compton coached at Haymon-Morris Middle School and already knew many of the coaches at AHS.
“I developed a good relationship with the coaches at Apalachee,” Compton said. “I got to know (athletic director) Brian (Moore). It was a place I knew I would feel comfortable at if the opportunity ever came up to work there. It’s always been in the back of my mind.”
Moore was impressed with Compton’s tie to the Barrow County School System as well as other factors.
“He has a good demeanor about him,” Moore said. “He’s a go-getter and someone who will work hard. He expects a lot of his team and himself.”
The actual process of getting a new coach in place was delayed as the school system continues to grapple with budget restraints. Compton missed the month of June when most high school basketball programs are working. He does plan to have practice sessions July 23-26 from 8-10 a.m. each day.
“With me getting a late start, it does hurt,” Compton said. “By this point some of the players are working toward their fall sports. We’ll make the most of it and do what we can in the time we have.”
On the court, the new Lady Wildcat coach said he would like to use a motion offense and a man-to-man defense. In addition on defense, the team could employ traps, zones and presses, depending upon personnel.
“We are glad to have this process complete,” Moore said of the new hire. “It was slower than we would have liked, but we are glad he’s in place now. I know he’s eager to go to work and start getting to know everyone. We think he will fit right in with our athletic department.”
For Compton, who coached football, basketball and track during his previous tenure at Haymon-Morris, the upcoming season is one he is looking forward to.
“The players are eager to be successful,” the new coach said. “We will work hard to get them to play up to their potential. We believe we can accomplish some good things during the upcoming season. I’m proud to be at Apalachee and look forward to getting to know everyone and to see what all we can accomplish on the basketball court.”
For the AHS family, everyone believes the wait was worth it to get the right new coach in place.
