RIVERTON — Matt Mead said on Wednesday, May 14, that he will step down as Riverton’s boys basketball coach to spend more time with his family.

The Hawks went a combined 45-19 over the past two seasons under Mead out of the rugged Sangamo Conference. Mead also led Riverton in the 2021-22 season, going 14-20.

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Mead’s coaching career stretches back to 2004 as the assistant girls basketball coach at his alma mater, Petersburg PORTA. He became PORTA’s head coach the following season before other stints at Robert Morris University and Lutheran — not to mention Riverton’s girls basketball team.

Mead became the high school’s vice principal in October just prior to the season and is in line to become the next principal.

“I need to make sure I give these boys everything that I’ve got, and I just don’t know if I have the time to do that,” Mead said. “It was a great run, great ride and I certainly enjoyed all of it, but just time to move on.”

Mead’s resignation is expected to become official at the next school board meeting on Monday, May 19.

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“It’s bittersweet,” Mead said. “I told the boys, too, it’s not an obituary. I’m going to see you still. I’m going to be your principal, I’m going to be in the halls and I can still mentor you. I told our coaching staff, I’ll be happy to do some scouting stuff or watch film for you whenever I can, I just can’t make that daily commitment to it right now.”

Riverton athletic director Katie Nichols described Mead as a positive influence for the team.

“He is such a good role model for our young men, and his basketball knowledge is unbelievably extensive, so we’re going to miss him in that role very much,” Nichols said. “Of course, we’re thrilled that he’s still able to be that positive influence on all of our students being the assistant principal. His steady, positive influence has just been instrumental for that team, and we will miss him in that respect.”

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Riverton boys basketball coach Matt Mead resigns to be closer to family