He also coached at Patterson School,
Patton after star career as player at West Caldwell
By CHRIS HOBBS
HobbsDailyReport.com
LENOIR – Chad Keller has resigned as head varsity boys’ basketball coach at Hibriten High.
He coached the Panthers twice – over the last eight seasons and also for three years starting in 1995-96.
KELLER
Keller’s head-coaching career also includes four seasons at Patton, starting in 2007-08, and he was head boys’ coach at Patterson School for one year (2006-076).
Keller played at West Caldwell and in college at James Madison and East Tennessee State.
Hibriten went 5-3 last season playing a COVID-19 schedule.
Keller’s decision was announced to some local media via an e-mail on Friday.
Michael Corpening has been named the interim head boys’ coach at Hibriten.
In an e-mail, HobbsDailyReport.com requested any available information on Corpening but the Hibriten athletic department declined to provide anything about the interim coach.
Below are statements received after requesting a copy of the press release:
Statement from Athletic Director Derek Reeves:
Hibriten High School announces the letter of resignation of Head Coach Chad Keller from the Hibriten Men’s Basketball Program. We would like to thank Coach Keller for all of his years of dedication and service to so many young men! Basketball was always a back seat to the love and care he gave to every kid in our program! Coach Keller has really developed a strong tradition of successful basketball here at Hibriten and he will be missed. His love and passion for basketball seemed to always be outweighed by his love and dedication to our kids. We thank him for his dedication and service to Hibriten Men’s Basketball and the Panther community.
Moving forward Asst. Coach Michael Corpening will be stepping into the role of interim Head Basketball Coach for our Men’s Basketball Program. Coach Corpening has the trust, love, and respect of all of our athletes and makes the perfect fit to move forward in continuing the success of the Hibriten Men’s Basketball Program. We are very confident in Coach Corpening and the direction he will be taking our program and the deep love and passion that he has in working with our young men! The administration and leadership at Hibriten High School are 100% committed to Coach Corpening and the excitement and level of basketball development he will bring to the program to build upon Coach Keller’s successes here at Hibriten.
Statement form Principal Courtney Wright:
Coach Keller has given so much to Hibriten High School and our community. He is a competitive, dedicated coach who cares about his players beyond the court. He has helped student athletes develop basketball skills, but more importantly he has helped them develop discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Coach Keller leaves a legacy of love, sacrifice, and excellence that we hope to continue. Coach Mikey Corpening will be our interim Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Coach Corpening’s enthusiasm and passion for students and the game of basketball, as well as his professionalism, make him the perfect candidate for this job. We look forward to his leadership.
Statement from Michael Corpening:
In 2014, after being cut in my 3rd professional season, I was presented with the opportunity to join Coach Keller on staff as his Head assistant and Head junior varsity coach. I am forever grateful for the wisdom and opportunity I was given by him. Coach Keller is the reason I am standing here today embracing a new opportunity, I pray for peace and blessings for him in life after basketball. I am excited to lead such an astounding and diverse group of young men in basketball and in life. I am also ready to go to work for the Panther Community! The basketball program at Hibriten has a world of potential and my staff and I and family are prepared to unlock that potential while rooting ourselves in the Panther Community. Through family, faith, hard work, and dedication we will together build the Hibriten Basketball Program to new heights!
Statement from Chad Keller:
After a long time of contemplation, prayer, and conversations with family and friends, I have decided to step away from the position of head basketball coach at Hibriten High School. I have enjoyed many years of success and been blessed to have the opportunity to build relationships with players, parents, staff, and community. I have come to the conclusion that it is time for me to step aside and allow someone else to step in and run the program. I have been fortunate to have had great coaches assist me during my tenure. It was never me, it has always been “we.” I am grateful for the support and confidence given to me from administration to have the opportunity to represent HHS for so many years. I am confident that the program will continue to be successful as I have a great coaching staff that are more than ready to lead our young men to be the best they can be. As much as it hurts, it’s time. I can move on knowing that Hibriten basketball is in good hands. Thanks to everyone that has supported us through the years and know that I will always be a Panther. God Bless!!!