Dunn steps down as Southeast boys basketball coach

PALMYRA -- For much of the past 13 seasons, Bob Dunn has been the face of the Southeast Pirates boys basketball program. However, a recent promotion at the school will mean changes for the Portage Trail Conference Metro Division squad.

With the recent retirement of Southeast High School principal Greg Newell, Dunn -- already the school's assistant principal -- recently announced his decision to step down as head coach and assume the position of interim principal at Southeast.

"I didn't think that I would be able to devote the time to the kids and handle a new job as well," Dunn said. "The superintendent (Tom Harrison) talked to me and we decided that it was best if I stepped down now."

Dunn said that his decision was made easier by the fact that long-time assistant Matt Dillon was interested in taking over the head coach's position.

The hiring of Dillon ensures that the Pirates' program -- which finished 2007 with a 9-13 record -- will be able to maintain consistency in its teachings.

"Matt has been on my bench for 12 of my 13 years here as head coach," Dunn said. "He deserves as much credit for the success we've had at Southeast as anyone, and he's someone the kids are familiar with, which is a good thing."

While he will no longer be roaming the sidelines for the Pirates, Dunn doesn't plan on hanging up his whistle permanently. Although his new job will take priority, the former coach said he is hopeful that he will be able to rejoin the program as an assistant down the road.

Until that day comes, however, Dunn said he is thankful for the support and encouragement he has received during his time as coach.

"I've been blessed at Southeast for the opportunity to coach this community's kids," Dunn said. "The community has been so supportive of my family and me, and I want to thank them by pouring all I can into being the school's principal.

"I'll miss being the coach of the basketball team, but I'm blessed and thankful for the new opportunity ahead of me," Dunn said.