Search underway: LaRose resigns after year two

There will be a new head coach next season for the Green River High School boy’s basketball team.

After two years at the helm, Dan LaRose resigned from the position last Thursday. The Wolves ended the season earlier this month at 0-21 after a loss to Evanston at the 4A West Regional Tournament.

“Coach LaRose has devoted a great deal of time and effort to the program,” District Activities Director Tom Wilson said. “Dan (LaRose) is a good man and will continue to impact kids in a positive fashion. I wish him the best.”

LaRose made the decision after a meeting with Wilson last week. He said that during the discussion he realized that the coaching expectations at the high school have changed and the parameters in which the program was working within have shifted.

“With these changes came the realization that a change in the leadership of this program is evident,” LaRose said.

During his tenure he said a great deal of time and energy has been put in by what he called a very dedicated staff.

“Basketball at this level is a 12-month position. All of the time put in before, during and after the seasons to help mold and shape the necessary changes in the climate and culture of this program was willingly sacrificed by not only me and my staff but their wives and families too. And for that I will be forever thankful to them,” LaRose said. “I will miss it, the students-athletes, the relationships, the teaching, the challenges, the battles, the wars. For all these things and more are all part of the experience.”

In his time with the program he said he has enjoyed many friendships with players, opposing coaches, and his staff in Green River.

“I love the teaching aspects of coaching the student-athletes about the game, but most importantly, I loved teaching them about building the ‘whole person’ for not only successes in basketball but also doing the right things in life on and off the court,” LaRose said.

Despite his resignation, he said that he will always be grateful for the opportunity and thanked the players for allowing him to teach and be taught so much about basketball and life.

“I wish the Wolves every success both now and in the future,” LaRose said.

According to Wilson, a search is already underway for a new coach.