Van Sant reaches goal to coach at 5A school
By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@journal-spectator.com

Wharton Athletic Director and head football coach Gary Van Sant is taking the steps to fulfill a dream.

Van Sant tendered his resignation from the WISD last Friday to accept a coaching position with Class 5A Tomball. He'll stay on board at Wharton High School until June 30 when his contract expires.

Van Sant has spent his career coaching at Class A to 4A schools and now he'll coach at the Class 5A level beginning in August.

"I've never had a chance to coach at a Class 5A school," said Van Sant.

"It's a good spot and they have a great staff and great people. It will be a great challenge and fun for me.

My wife said this was one my goals and it seems liked a good opportunity to pursue it."

Van Sant agreed it was a hard decision as he didn't make up his mind until last Friday.

"The rumor had been out their quite a while," said Van Sant.

"It was a back and forth. One day I would be one way and the next day it would be the other way."

Sometimes it was moment by moment and hours.

"It was real tough for my family because my children have really enjoyed going to school in Wharton.

"The one thing that impressed us (with Tomball) is that it feels like a small town when we went there to visit."

He'll coach linebackers and track.

"My record (win and loss as a football coach) hasn't been real good but I coached at every level," said Van Sant. "(In Wharton) We had an enjoyable time with some good people to work with."

Van Sant came to Wharton last May after he served the same position at Tidehaven for two years.

He was an assistant coach at El Campo from 2001-2004 and the head coach and AD at Hallettsville from 1995-98. And he also had a one-year stint at Class A Louise in 1994.

Wharton ISD Superintendent Don Hillis said Friday the position will be advertised and posted on several Web sites.

He added that incoming superintendent James Bartosh will be involved in the process of selecting a replacement.

The district will also be looking for a new girls basketball coach, a trainer and a few assistant coaches to fill out the staff

"We have several openings here," said Van Sant.