SPARTA, MO - Sparta girls basketball coach and athletic director Jerry Songer has accepted the head coaching position in Corning, Arkansas.
Songer was 134-34 in 6 seasons with the Lady Trojans, winning a state title in 2009 along with 3 SWCL Conference titles and 2 district championships. He helped move Sparta into its new high school earlier this year. The Lady Trojans were ranked number 1 in the state in class 2 for much of the 2011-12 season before being upset by Marionville in the district championship.
Songer's decision was family based. He is looking to get closer to his parents who live 20 minutes from Corning.
"I've enjoyed the Sparta community, administration and fans," said Songer. "It's just one of those decisions I want to spend time with my parents at this point in their life."
Sparta boys basketball coach Shawn Poyser has also resigned from his position to pursue administration.
District Superintendent Dr. Jeff Hyatt will head the search for both Songer and Poyser's replacements.
