After 24 year coaching run, Bartlett set to retire

Friday, February 13, 2015
File photo/Daily Mail/ Nevada Lady Tigers head basketball coach Brent Bartlett looks on as Afton Baldwin sets for a jumper during a game in Harrisonville in December 2005, Bartlett's ninth season at NHS and eighth as the team's head coach.

Nevada Daily Mail

After 24 years of coaching in the Missouri high school basketball ranks, Nevada Lady Tigers head coach Brent Bartlett has submitted his resignation, effective at the end of the 2014-15 basketball season. Bartlett said he will continue his teaching duties at NHS.

Bartlett's resignation was submitted during Wednesday's Nevada R-5 Board of Education regular monthly meeting.

Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail/ Former Nevada High School athletic director Kevin McKinley (right) presents a plaque to Lady Tigers head basketball coach Brent Bartlett in recognition of his 300th career win as his team watches. Bartlett picked up his 300th win Jan. 12, 2010.

"It's a family decision," Bartlett said. "My family has been through a lot the last four years, and I just think it was time."

Bartlett said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at NHS as a teacher and coach.

"This is a great place to work," Bartlett said. "And I've been honored and have had the privilege to do this for 19 years. And the plan is to continue to teach here."

Prior to arriving at NHS, Bartlett spent five years coaching the Drexel Lady Bobcats, serving his first two seasons as an assistant coach. During his first season as Drexel's head coach, he led a young Lady Bobcats squad to a 26-4 record. In his second season, Drexel finished third in the state going 29-2.

The 1995-96 campaign was a good one for Bartlett, as he guided Drexel to a 31-0 record and Class 1 State Championship. After cutting down the nets in the spring of 1996, Bartlett departed Drexel and landed at Nevada High School, where he spent his first season as a boys varsity assistant coach under John McNeley ---- who now serves as the school's athletic director. Bartlett then took over for Gail Wilson in the fall of 1997.

Entering the 2014-15 season, Bartlett had racked up 348 career wins, averaging nearly 18 per season.

Bartlett is a native of Lockwood, Mo., who grew up playing sports, notably baseball, which he went on to play in college. Bartlett was a member of the Nevada Griffons in 1988 and 1989.

Bartlett and his wife Lori have two daughters, Mikayla and Chloe.

Bartlett said his time in the coaching profession has been an amazing experience.

"I've had tremendous coach-player relationships with many great individuals," he said. "Watching the team and players improve individually is fun to see as a coach."

This season has been unique for Bartlett, as he's been afforded the opportunity to coach both of his daughters, Mikayla who is a senior, and Chloe a sophomore.

"It's hard to explain," he said. "It's just awesome being able to coach both of your kids."

The Lady Tigers (16-3, 6-2 WCC) host Warrensburg tonight, with the junior varsity game tipping off first.

Comments
Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: