Kurt moves on from coaching

The timing just felt right for Ryan Kurt. With three kids at home — aged 6, 4 and 1.5 — Kurt has chosen to step down from his position as Edison girls basketball head coach after four seasons. He will become an assistant principal in Willard for grades 6-12, starting August 1. The news was announced Wednesday. "I just thought it was the right time," Kurt said. "It's hard leaving. These girls mean a lot to me... It's hard stepping away. This is the best decision for my family." Kurt compiled a 39-56 record in his time at Edison. The Chargers were 12-11 in 2019-20, then 13-9, before identical 7-16 marks the past two seasons. "I'm gonna remember all the girls that have played for me, the community support and the relationships we were able to build," Kurt said. "Tried to create a family atmosphere where everyone felt appreciated and included." Kurt's final game in charge of the Chargers was a sectional semifinal loss this winter to Clear Fork. "The Edison Athletic Department would like to thank Mr. Kurt for his dedication to the program and wish him the best of luck in his new endeavors," athletic director Nick Wenzel wrote in a release. Edison's returning group will be led by Ivy Kluding (6.9 ppg) and Jorja Byington (5.8 ppg) along with some promising younger talent. The Chargers will begin the search for a new head coach immediately, according to Wenzel. "They've got a lot of promise moving forward," Kurt said. "They're gonna have some good seasons." Prior to the girls varsity job, Kurt had coached middle school basketball at Edison and junior varsity basketball at Perkins and Margaretta. The son of Margaretta superintendent Ed, Ryan Kurt expected for a while to eventually end up on the administration side himself. "I just feel like administration was always the area I'd excel at," Kurt said. "A lot of that comes from coaching basketball, running a program. I just felt like it was my time to leave the classroom and get into that aspect." In an unrelated move, Willard girls basketball head coach Barry Pfahl stepped down from his position. Kurt was also an intervention specialist in Edison Local Schools. His official start date in Willard is Aug. 1. "I've told the girls, I'll always help them out no matter what," Kurt said. "Anything they need, they know they can get a hold of me."