GHS assistant named coach at Woodruff

MARK IRETON Longtime Gaffney boys assistant basketball coach Mark Ireton admitted leaving the successful program was difficult but becoming a head coach was too special to pass up.

Ireton was named Monday night as the new boys varsity basketball coach at Woodruff High School.

"It was tough," said Ireton, who served as head coach Mark Huff's top assistant for six years. "It was tough having to submit my letter of resignation to (Gaffney High Principal) Dr. Moore. Coach (Mark) Huff and I are pretty good friends and I've made a lot of good friends in this community. That's what makes it hard, but it's exciting and I'm looking forward to the challenge and opportunity to build a program."

Ireton sees similarities between Gaffney and Woodruff.

"They are very similar," he said. "They both have successful football programs and that means there are some talented athletes."

Ireton said he will bring the Indians' trademark up-tempo style of play to his new position.

"Why change something that works?" he said.

Ireton said the unprecedented feat of capturing three straight Class 4A state titles was the highlight of his coaching tenure at Gaffney.

"That was a once in a lifetime thing," he said. "Having the undefeated season and going 80-3 over those three seasons were special."

Huff said Ireton made significant contributions to the program.

"He was a very important part of our program," Huff said. "He is going to be missed. I'm happy for him. I know he'll do a good job."

Huff said either current assistant George Hall or ninth-grade assistant coach Michael Dalton will replace Ireton. Huff said the district must then fill the ninth-grade coaching job.

Ireton said he also applied for the Chapman job but that position was filled by former legendary USC Upstate coach Jerry Waters.

Ireton also served as the Gaffney High varsity golf coach - a position he'll miss.

"I really enjoyed that," he said.