THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 8, 1994 TAG: 9411080462
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY RICH RADFORD, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
Upset by an exodus of players at First Colonial High, Leo Anthony resigned as boys basketball coach less than two weeks before the opening practice.
The Patriots were expected to have an outside chance at winning the Beach District with five quality players returning this season. But all five transferred, many without warning, at the start of the school year.
Kenny Inge, a 6-foot-7 forward, transferred to Atlantic Shores Christian, 6-9 center Chris Dinnunzio transferred to Cape Henry Collegiate and guard Mike Harrington's family moved to the Deep Creek High zone. In addition, Kinte Smith and Toby Johnson enrolled at newly opened Ocean Lakes High despite having the option to stay at First Colonial.
``I could have had five good ones back. I felt I would have had a real good team this year,'' said Anthony, who submitted his resignation last week. ``This just shows no loyalty to the program. And if that's the way it's going to be, then I don't want any part of it. I've never had a Thanksgiving break or a Christmas break off, and I'm going to miss it. But I need a break.''
Anthony, 54, has a career record of 407-238 after 33 years. He was 92-90 in seven years at Norfolk Academy, 235-86 in 19 years at Princess Anne and 80-62 in seven years at First Colonial. But the Patriots were 7-13 and 7-14 the last two seasons.
Anthony, who is head of First Colonial's physical education department, will remain as golf coach.
Student activities coordinator Kevin Liptrap said that interviews for the position had begun and that the school expected to announce a decision on a replacement by Thursday. Practice begins next Monday.
``We are not trying to fill this position on an interim basis,'' Liptrap said. ``We are trying to find a candidate who is going to be our next basketball coach.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Leo Anthony has compiled a record of 407-238 in 33 years as a
basketball coach.
by CNB