Lady Blu-Jays coach retires after 16 years, 204 wins

Former Lady-Blu basketball players applaud girls head coach Ethan Sabine after he was honored for 16 years of coaching following the game against Southeast on Friday, Feb. 16. (Photos by Roger Sims/Linn County Journal)

PLEASANTON – More than 30 Lady Blu-Jay basketball players, past and present, were on hand on Friday, Feb. 16, to pay tribute to girls head coach Ethan Sabine, who had just finished coaching his last home game against the Southeast Lancers.

His 16-year stint as girls basketball coach began in 2008, and earlier this season he celebrated winning his 200th game. His career wins now total 204 with a win over Bronaugh High School (Mo.).

Players past and present gathered with retiring coach Ethan Sabine for a group photo.

Although he will continue to teach History, Sabine decided to retire from coaching after his youngest daughter Eryn’s final season. She will graduate in May.

He also coached two other daughters, Ella Sabine and Emma Sabine Byrd, who joined him on the court following Friday’s game for a presentation by Tara Carpenter, school activities director.

Carpenter said that during his 16 years as head coach, he has had five assistant coaches including Robin Bortzfield, Daniel Saulsberry, Danny Looney, Seth Gabbert and Caleb Hendricks.