AURORA | A second Aurora program is in need of a head football coach, as Hinkley joined Smoky Hill with an opening.
The first head coaching job among city schools opened at Smoky Hill when John Thompson recently announced he was stepping down after seven seasons, and now Hinkley needs a replacement for Joe McKain, who held the post for one season after replacing Bob Bozied.
McKain went 2-8 in his lone season as Thunderbirds head coach, enduring another tough season for the program, which is just 22-68 in the past nine seasons and is in the middle of a playoff drought of more than a decade.
Hinkley athletic director Tristen Rogers — who said only that McKain had been asked to step down — said the ideal candidate for the job would be a licensed teacher who would work in the building.
“The overall goal for Hinkley athletic program is to employ coaches of all sports who view their respective sport as a year-round endeavor and will take all the appropriate steps to make sure our athletes understand the importance of daily practice, off-season conditioning, and offer these opportunities for our student population,” Rogers said in a statement.
Both of the Thunderbirds’ wins in 2012 came by 21-20 scores, including a victory over rival Aurora Central in the final game of the regular season. Fossil Ridge routed Hinkley 74-28 in a week 10 game of non-playoff qualifiers.
The program had two All-Aurora League performers in senior offensive lineman Dillon Baksh and junior defensive back Jesus Chavarria, who were both second team selections.
Rogers said the school is also on the verge of hiring new head coaches in baseball and softball. Rich Freehling previously held both posts.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at [email protected] or 303-750-7555
