Spears introduced to Saints

By Patrick Ochs (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Thursday, May 29, 2008

NATCHEZ — It didn’t take long for Trinity’s search for a new girls’ basketball coach to come to fruition.

Once the reigning district girl’s basketball coach of the year, Melanie Hall, left Trinity Episcopal for Adams County Christian School, the decision on who should replace her was a no-brainer.

It was so much of a no-brainer for Trinity’s athletic director, David King, that it only took one call.

On the other end of the line was former Franklinton Junior High School and Bowling Green High School coach Richy Spears, who Wednesday was introduced to his new team.

“Melanie gave us some great years and left us with an opening and Richy was the first person I contacted,” King said following the players meeting.

Factoring into the decision to hire Spears was his bond with several coaches at Trinity.

“His relationship with coach (Matt) Mason, (Ron) Rushing and myself was a major draw,” King said.

In addition, the timing just seemed right for Spears to make a career move.

While he was coaching at Bowling Green High School, Spears said King had contacted him several times about jobs, but it just wasn’t the right timing.

Not only is Spears a solid coach, but King also considers him a great addition to the teaching corps at Trinity Episcopal.

“Richy is an excellent math teacher, so there were a lot of people that wanted him,” King

King went onto say that with the academic standards so high at Trinity, bringing in a premier math teacher is an added bonus.

As far as next season goes, King said he expects Spears to pick up right where Hall left off.

“Melanie Hall has done a very good job for us and we expect Richy to build upon that success.”

Although Spears said he’s unfamiliar with his new team, his equation for success is simple.

“(I expect) that they learn and give everything they’ve got. That’s all you can ask. If they take care of that, the winning should take care of itself.”

During his brief and informal meeting with his new players at Trinity on Wednesday, Spears said his style of play is basic.

“Defense comes first. We’re going to learn defense before we even touch a ball,” Spears told his team.

Spears added he expects them to run and spread the floor, transition and attack the basket.

The team won’t waste any time getting to know their coach, and will begin working out next Monday in preparation for the 2008 season.

Along with coaching girls’ basketball, Spears will also be the head softball coach.

Spears with him to Natchez fiancé Tracy, and six boys and a girl between them.