Triad has a new girls basketball coach. He’s a familiar face back to lead the Knights.
One of the most successful coaches in Triad High School girls basketball history, Josh Hunt is back in charge of the Knights program.
Hunt, 42, who led the Knights to a 52-30 record in three seasons from 2013-16 before taking over the Triad boys program, was officially named as the new coach at the Triad Community School District 2 Board Meeting on Monday.
Hunt takes over for Mike Arbuthnot who resigned after leading the Knights during the 2019-20 season.
Now in his 14th year as a teacher at Triad, Hunt also led the Knights boys basketball program for three years (2016-19). But after a year off from coaching basketball, Hunt is anxious to get back on the court.
“I’ve only been away from coaching basketball for one year. During that year, I realized that I missed the game of basketball and how much passion I have for it. I did enjoy the time off though as I was able to get away and watch a lot of my kids sporting events which was without a doubt beneficial and rewarding,” Hunt said.
“With having twins (Gibson and Maddie) currently in the eighth grade and another one (Maddux) in the fifth, my wife, Jenni, and my lives are jam packed with running the kids all over God’s creation for various games and practices. But with the encouragement of my wife and kids, I’m back.”
Hunt succeeds with boys, girls programs, ready for coaching return
A longtime assistant with the Knights baseball program, Hunt has had his share of success with both the boys and girls programs at Triad.
After taking over a Triad program which won only a combined two games from 2011-13, Hunt led the Knights to 19 victories in his second season (2014-15) before leading his team to a 23-4 mark the following season.
As the boys coach, Hunt led his Knights to a mark of 44-44 in his three seasons. Hunt said there isn’t much difference in coaching boys and girls basketball. He believes the key is being a good positive role model and building relationships with his student-athletes.
“With this year away from the game, it gave me time to reflect on what I would do the same, what I would do differently, etc.,” Hunt said. “At the end of the day, these kids want to know how much you care about them before they care about how much you know. Building relationships, in my mind, is the most important attribute when it comes to being a successful coach and teacher.
“Having a year off gave me an opportunity to observe different coaches, different programs, different philosophies. I learned a lot through observation and honestly researching many different techniques and ideas. I think any successful coach is always continuing to try to learn and grow, so I wholeheartedly believe I’m a better coach now than I was a year ago.”
Hunt ready for challenge to lead Knights girls
Hunt also knows what he is getting into at Triad. Although competitive on a nightly basis, Triad has been a middle-of-the-pack team in a Mississippi Valley Conference which has been dominated by Class 3A state powers Civic Memorial and Highland in recent years.
Triad won 13 games last season and returns several players for the 2020-21 season.
“They were well coached under Mike Arbuthnot and only lose one senior. I’m really excited about the girls within the program and the players at the junior high level. I think if the girls are willing to buy in and believe in what we are selling, success is right around the corner,” Hunt said.
“My ultimate vision is to establish and maintain a championship level program. That will be easier said than done but I am confident that we can get there. The MVC on the girl’s side is no picnic. The success of schools like Civic Memorial and Highland speaks for themselves.
“Jerseyville has entered into that level of team as well. Waterloo and Mascoutah have programs on the rise also. We will have our work cut out for us and, much like the last time, it will be very challenging. I’m up for the challenge though and can’t wait to get started.’’
This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 11:38 AM.