Van Sant to coach Class 5-A
By MIKE KONVICKA sports@leader-news.com

Gary Van Sant

Wharton Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Gary Van Sant is taking steps to fulfill a dream.

Van Sant tendered his resignation from the WISD last Friday to accept a coaching position with Class 5A Tomball. H e ' l l stay on board at Wharton High School School until June 30 when his contract expires.

Van Sant has spent his career coaching at schools ranging from Class A to 4A, and starting in August will coach at the Class 5A level.

"I've never had a chance to coach at a Class 5A school," Van Sant said. "It's a good spot and they have a great staff and great people. It will be a great challenge and fun for me. My wife said this was one my goals and it seems like a good opportunity to pursue it."

Van Sant agreed it was a hard decision as he did not make up his mind until last Friday.

"The rumor had been out their quite a while," Van Sant said. "It was a back and forth. One day I would be one way and the next day it would be the other way.

"It was real tough for my family because my children have really enjoyed going to school in Wharton. The one thing that impressed us (with Tomball) is that it feels like a small town when we went there to visit."

He'll coach linebackers and track.

"My record (win and loss as a football coach) hasn't been real good, but I coached at every level," Van Sant said. "(In Wharton) we had an enjoyable time with some good people to work with."

Van Sant went to Wharton last May after he served the same position at Tidehaven for two years. He was an assistant coach at El Campo from 2001- 2004 and the head coach and AD at Hallettsville from 1995- 98. And he also had a one-year stint at Class A Louise in 1994.

Wharton ISD Superintendent Don Hillis said Friday the position will be advertised and posted on several Web sites. He added that incoming superintendent James Bartosh will be involved in the process of selecting a replacement.

The district will also be looking for a new girls basketball coach, a trainer and a few assistant coaches to fill out the staff.

"We have several openings here," Van Sant said.