There will be a new face leading the Happy Valley boys’ basketball program.
Chuck Babb has announced his resignation as head coach of the program. Babb confirmed the move in a statement released on Friday morning.
The 1993 Happy Valley graduate took over the program after the legendary Charlie Bayless during the 2012-13 season. Babb was just the fourth coach of the HV program.
“I want to start by saying thank you to Dr. Ward, Terry Hubbard, Bernie Young, Charlie Bayless, and our board members, for giving me the opportunity to fulfill a dream in becoming the head basketball coach at my alma mater,” Babb said. “I have spent my professional career aspiring to someday obtain this position. It is a position and tradition that I cherish and respect. I am only the fourth head coach in the storied tradition of this school’s great history. I love Happy Valley. I love this school. I love this community. It has been my great pleasure to give most of my adult life to this school, this basketball program, and this community.”
Babb noted that the decision wasn’t an easy one.
“It is one of the hardest decisions of my life, but it is a timely and correct decision,” Babb said. “It is a decision that I have given great thought and prayer. It is a decision that I made before this season began. I did not announce the decision before the season because I never wanted this season to be about me but to be about the kids. I did not want it to become a distraction to them or the program.”
Babb noted that he wanted to spend more time with his family and more time to ministry as well as pursue other opportunities in his professional career.
Happy Valley is coming off a trip to the Region 1-AA tournament.
Babb ended his statement with several thank you’s to those who have helped during his tenure.
“I want to thank, first of all, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who makes all things possible,” Babb said. “I want to thank all the coaches that have influenced me and those that have competed against me. It is a special brotherhood; and that camaraderie is one of the things that I will miss greatly. I want to thank my staff who have been loyal and hard working.
“I want to thank the administration of HVHS for their support. I want to thank all the players for their hard work and dedication. It was truly my pleasure and also my hope that I have been a positive influence upon their lives. here are not many things more special than the player coach bond, especially after all the battles are over. Last but not least, I want to thank my family and the sacrifices they have made in allowing me to chase my dreams.”
