Jackson coach to retire after season

Jackson's seventh trip to the state final four this weekend will mark the end of an era in the girls basketball program.

Coach Ron Cook announced Thursday he will step down after this season, his 22nd at the school.

"I'm just happy to be able to finish out like this," Cook said. "How many coaches get a chance to finish out in the state tournament?"

Cook has compiled a 445-142 record at Jackson and led the Indians to 10 district titles.

"I've got another year or so of teaching," Cook said. "It's been a tough decision. I've been doing it for 29 years, 22 years at Jackson."

After not winning a district title in his first nine seasons, Cook has led Jackson to titles in 10 of the past 13 years. The girls advanced to their first final four ever in 1992 and made four consecutive final four appearances from 1995 to 1998. They reached the championship game three straight years (1996-98), finishing second all three times. The Indians came painfully close to the state championship in 1997, falling 42-41 to Gateway Tech in the Class 4 title game. They returned to the state tournament in 2001.

The six appearances have netted three seconds, two thirds and one fourth.

His players will attempt to get him that elusive state title this weekend.

"This is his last chance to win for him and for us. It means a lot more," Jackson senior Jenna Leet said of her second trip to the state tournament.

Added senior Kristen Howard, "Our last year. His last year. We're going to hold nothing back. We're going to go all out."

Cook said the team's longtime assistant, Sam Sides, will be promoted to head coach after this season.

"I feel very blessed to be able to coach here at Jackson," Cook said.

jbreer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 124