WELLMAN

Two years after Mid-Prairie’s Danny Hershberger was named Coach of the Year in the River Valley South Conference, he has resigned as head coach of the Golden Hawks girls basketball team.

The Golden Hawks won 16 games this season, the same win total as two years ago. They had won eight of their last 10 games, then fell to third-ranked Williamsburg, a state semifinalist, in a 3A regional semifinal.

This year’s 16-6 team finished up a four-year run during which the Golden Hawks won 58 games and never had a losing season.

“Coaching this team the last six seasons has been an enjoyable experience and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such dedicated athletes, staff and supporters,” Hershberger told The News. “The growth I have witnessed from our players, as basketball people and as people, has been inspiring, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”

The Golden Hawks were 9-3 in River Valley South play this season, and finished runner-up to Iowa City Regina Catholic, which defeated Mid-Prairie twice and made it to the semifinal round of the 2A state tournament.

Senior forward Callie Huber ranked second in the River Valley South with 197 rebounds.

Hershberger is a physical education teacher at Mid-Prairie Middle School and is also head baseball coach at Hillcrest Academy.

“I believe it is the best step for me and the program to resign at this time,” Hershberger said. “I look forward to cheering on the Golden Hawks in the future.”

Mid-Prairie began a search for Hershberger’s replacement last week.