Administration reacts to Keil’s departure
Doug Keil’s decision to depart for Lebanon was met with a mixture of disappointment and understanding by WCHS administrators Tuesday night.
Principal James Bennett and athletic director Andy Jacobs both expressed how much the athletic department — as well as the entire WCHS family — will miss Keil, and discussed how hard the future Blue Devil head coach will be to replace.
“Coach Keil is a good coach, and has proven himself with a successful program here at Warren County,” said Bennett. “It’s hard to keep good coaches, and any time a coach or a staff member wants to move on you can’t hold them back.
“He’s not only a good coach, but a good teacher — and this program will miss him.”
Jacobs, who spent several seasons at the helm of the Pioneer program during the ’80s and ’90s, said the news last month of Lebanon coach Randall Hutto’s retirement was met with a bit of anxiety.
“We knew when the job came available, that the Warren County boys basketball program could be in trouble,” Jacobs said. “Now the job in hand is to find a replacement.
“It won’t be easy to replace a coach like Doug Keil, but we have to go forward.”
While he admitted he was disappointed to see Keil move on, Jacobs expressed his gratitude for the strong work ethic and determined attitude the coach displayed during his tenure at WCHS.
“We want to thank Doug for all he has brought to the Warren County High School basketball program over the last three years,” Jacobs said. “His hard work, enthusiasm and character toward the program have been great assets.
“We’ll miss him, but now we’ll always be for Lebanon — except when we play them.”
Bennett said Warren County Education Association policy requires the vacancy created by Keil’s departure must be posted for at least 10 days. While the screening and interview process could take a significant amount of time, Bennett said he hopes to find a new head coach as soon as possible.