Ganado Athletic Director is moving on to Bangs

     Ganado Athletic Director and Head Coach Jim Bird is moving to Bangs, Texas and will be the new Athletic Director and Head Coach at Bangs High School, located in the middle of Texas.

Bird won't be the only only one leaving, he's taking coaches Rick Ragsdale, Rocky Vaclavick and Richard Gunnels with him.

     "This wasn't something I was looking for, we were committed to staying in Ganado," he said. "Many factors were considered and we just felt like this move was the right one."

     Bird said the Bangs school board really wanted to meet him and wanted to move quickly after they did. Two days ago on Tuesday morning they offered him the job. Bird learned they had other positions open for coaches and decided to take a handful of his choice coaches.

     Ragsdale was Ganado's baseball coach, Vaclavick the track coach, and Gunnels the powerlifting coach. This is in addition to basketball coach John Armstrong moving to Austwell-Tivoli.

     Bird said he and the coaches talked with their athletic students yesterday to inform them of the change and it wasn't fun.

     "I love these kids and they worked their butts off for us. We teach them to look out for opportunities and take them when they're right and that's the situation with this new job," Bird said. "After a lot of prayer and thought I made the decision and I know the boys will be in good hands."

     Bird said money wasn't a factor in his choice to move, but said both Ganado and Bangs school districts paid a fair wage. He did not want to divulge his salary at Bangs.

    "I want to thank the community and parents of these athletes, they had open arms in my coming to Ganado and a great reputation," Bird said. "You immerse yourself so deeply into a town and get connected with them.

     "I know Dr. John Hardwick and Principal Andy Bridges will find someone to put the team in good hands," he said. "They will react quickly and decisively and find someone who will love the kids both on the field and in life."

     Bridges was not yet available for comment, but more information will be in the July 1 Jackson County Herald-Tribune issue.