“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” said Firebaugh, who was an assistant to Schechterly. “I plan on meeting with the girls here at James River sometime this week and I’ll meet with the middle school girls on Friday. I plan to have a steady summer schedule of open gyms at least three times a week and those open gyms will consist of weight-room, agilities and plyometrics. I am looking into one or two summer team camps for the girls to get some extra time playing together and team building.”
Firebaugh is a familiar figure in Botetourt County. He comes from a sports family and played four years of varsity basketball at River from 2003 to 2007. He then went on to play four years at Ferrum College.
Ryan already has an extensive background in coaching. In addition to his time as Schechterly’s assistant, he’s on Tim Jennings’ football staff and Steve Austin’s softball staff. He coached wide receivers and defensive backs at River in 2013 and ’14 and he’s currently the quarterbacks coach.
Ryan also spent some time at Central Academy Middle School and Lord Botetourt High. He coached football at CAMS for six years, including five as head coach. At LB he was head jayvee boys basketball coach from 2014 to ’16 and then served two years as assistant varsity coach.
A 2007 James River graduate, Ryan graduated from Ferrum College with a degree in Exercise Sports Studies and minor in Coaching. He currently serves as a health and physical education teacher at River.
He’s not taking an easy job. The Knights were winless this year and played just seven games due to COVID concerns. They were 4-17 in the 2019-20 season and 2-17 the year before, playing in the very tough Three Rivers District. However, Firebaugh sees a sleeping giant and has plans to wake it up.
“Being a coach this year has been difficult, but we as coaches, administration, and student athletes have been very grateful to be able to have the opportunity to do the things we love to do,” he said. “The key is to get more interest and passion in the James River girls basketball program. I plan to be involved with the youth programs, at the rec level, and the middle school program. That way we get more girls out for the program and we can build this program. I believe that there is talent here at James River to have a great team.”
While Ryan has more experience coaching boys basketball, he feels the seven years he’s spent assisting the softball team will be a great benefit in transitioning to the girls game.
“I think that will be very beneficial,” he said. “I don’t think it will be a lot different coaching the girls team.”
