Goose Creek Memorial-Position Open

[Guest GCMPats]

Keener tabbed as Mustang hoops coach

By TED DUNNAM
Updated: 05.12.10


Jeff Keener, who guided two Hitchcock teams to the state tournament, will be Friendswood High School’s next boys’ basketball head coach.

Keener, currently the head basketball coach at Goose Creek Memorial, was expected to receive Friendswood Independent School District board approval at its Tuesday meeting to succeed Darren Chandler.

“We’re excited,” FISD athletic director Steve Van Meter said. “Jeff’s a proven winner. He had great success at Hitchcock, and he’s been successful wherever he’s been.

“I think he brings another positive dimension to our basketball program.”

Keener replaces Chandler, who recently accepted the head basketball coaching job at Clear Falls High School.

There were 36 applicants for the Friendswood basketball job and seven candidates were interviewed.

“We had some good candidates, and all of us on the committee had Jeff rated No. 1,” Van Meter said. “He has a good plan, and a successful model he has followed at the different places he has been.”

In six years at Hitchcock, Keener’s team won district every year an advanced to the state tournament twice. The past two seasons, he has served as the head basketball coach at Goose Creek Memorial.

Keener forged a 141-51 record at Hitchcock, and the three years prior to his stint with the Bulldogs, Keener was the head basketball coach at Hamshire-Fannett. Keener also served as an assistant for five years at Beaumont West Brook.

In Keener’s first year at Goose Creek Memorial, the team posted a 3-25 record and was 0-14 in district play. However, the Patriots played with only freshmen, sophomores and juniors in Keener’s debut season at the school.

This past season, the Patriots posted a 10-win improvement with a 13-14 record.

“Jeff’s teams will play a style of basketball that suits his talent,” Van Meter said. “He’s a guy that will demand a lot of discipline on and off the court.

“He is really impressed with Friendswood and the success we have in all sports. He understands this is a very tough boys’ basketball district and that we haven’t won district in a long time, and that we haven’t beaten La Marque in eight years.”

Keener will have a tough act to follow as Chandler built the FHS boys’ basketball program into arguably its most successful run ever.

“There are things on the table in front of Jeff,” Van Meter said. “He understands our expectations. He’s going to be great with the kids. He has a warm, but demanding demeanor.

“I called a bunch of people I know, and I received nothing but glowing recommendations on Jeff.”

Keener will also bring Cliff Owens, a former Texas Tech basketball standout, to serve as an assistant basketball coach.

Keener will begin his duties in August.

[CATMAN]

I heard coach foster is going to take the position. :o :o :o :o

[Guest GCMPats]

Who's Coach Foster?

[CATMAN]

The coach @ BIG SANDY HIGH SCHOOL.

[CATMAN]

[quote name="GCMPats" post="804948" timestamp="1274655203"]
Who's Coach Foster?
[/quote] Ask Coach Keener About Coach Foster.He WILL Tell You All About Coach Foster. :) :) :) :) :)

[baypat]

GCM also lost the head coach for girls soccer. She will be staying home with new baby.  Happy with one name that has applied.