James River’s Mike Goad has retired from coaching high school basketball after 29 years, including 18 years as coach of the Knights. Mike revealed his plans to the Botetourt County School Board this week.
“I just felt like it was time,” said Goad, who is 67. “When you feel something you go with it, that’s the way I coached. It was a good experience but when it’s time, it’s time.”
Goad finished his coaching career with 400 wins, and he got the final win in dramatic fashion in the second last game of the season. Playing at Giles, the game was tied at 60-60 when Isiah Moran hit a layup with about two seconds on the clock. After the game Mike was presented the game ball as friends and former players and assistants congratulated him in the Pearisburg gymnasium.
Goad finished with 267 of his wins at James River after winning 133 in 11 seasons at Nelson County. He guided the Knights to the Group 2A state championship in 2010.
A Botetourt County native, Goad was a basketball standout at Lord Botetourt High School, graduating in 1971. He was a member of the inaugural class of the Lord Botetourt Athletic Hall of Fame.
“Some of the prou
dest moments of my life have come from coaching,” he said. “I’ve worked with some great people, at both places, and coached some wonderful student athletes.”
While at Nelson County Mike had Carl Tacy on his staff for one season. Tacy, who won 222 games at Wake Forest from 1972 to 1985, died last Thursday, April 2nd, at age 87.
“We had an opening for jayvee coach and his grandson was a freshman at Nelson County,” said Goad. “He called me up and asked if he could coach the jayvee team. I learned a lot from him that year. I remember he scouted a game for us and came back with three hand-written pages of notes.”
Goad lives in Botetourt County and plans to frequent the local gyms once the basketball season comes around.
“I know I’ll miss it, you always miss something you love,” he said. “It’s not an easy profession, but it’s a lifestyle I’ve enjoyed. I’ve had some winning seasons and I’ve had some losing seasons but I’ve enjoyed every one. I have a lot of memories, and those memories will never fade away.”
