Smith steps down as coach at Van Buren

After coaching in the Van Buren school district for the past 25 years, most notably the head girls? basketball position for the last 15 seasons, Randy Smith submitted his letter of resignation for the position Monday.

Smith has coach junior high football, both boys and girls? basketball, girls? track, baseball and softball for Van Buren.

?I?ve probably learned more from the kids than they have from me. I loved every minute of it, but it?s just something that I?m not going to be able to do anymore,? said Smith, who cited personal reasons for the decision. ?There have been good seasons and bad, but I enjoyed coaching all the kids and thank the school district for giving me the opportunity.?

The school board will act on submission at its August meeting scheduled for tonight and figures to begin searching for a replacement immediately.