[Strikeout King]

Champ Ligon, who rebuilt Bryan Station's boys' basketball program into a state power, will step down as the Defenders' coach at the end of this season.


He submitted a letter of resignation to Principal Gladys Peoples on Saturday.

Ligon is in his eighth season at Bryan Station and has a 146-87 record. He previously coached at Atherton, Male and Shelby County and has a career record of 364-207.

"It's been a wonderful eight years at Bryan Station, a wonderful ride," Ligon said. "But it's time to step back and kind of let life come to me."


Ligon, 47, does want to coach again.


"I love the game, and I love the kids," he said. "I think I've got at least 10 more years in me. Every year a lot of coaching jobs open up. Hopefully, whether it's sooner or later, I'll get back in it. I'm not against being an assistant coach, either."


Ligon was fired by Peoples in June 2007 even though the Defenders' 68 victories the previous three seasons were the most by any of the city's public schools. There was such an outcry of support for him that the school rehired him a few weeks later.


Ligon guided the Defenders to a No. 1 rating in the state, a 30-3 record and a region runner-up finish in the 2007-08 season.


In the past six years at Bryan Station, Ligon and his staff have helped 26 of 27 seniors get into college. "I hope to continue that success with this year's

class," he said.


Bryan Station is 11-11 this season, but Ligon thinks the team has potential

to make noise come tournament time.


When the Defenders' season does come to an end, Ligon said he will have lots of good memories to reflect on.

"The players, coaches, teachers, the community, everybody has been great," he said. "I loved every day and appreciated everything. I received far more support than I could've ever expected."

http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/1127941.html