NAUGATUCK – Long-time basketball coach Garland “Rabbit” Thompson will return to Tug Valley as the new boys’ basketball coach.
Thompson guided the Panthers from 2007 until he stepped down in 2015, having guided the team to back-to-back state championships in 2012-13. His teams advanced to the state tournament five times and he won seven of eight sectional titles during his previous stint.
Tug Valley principal Doug Ward said no other applicant would put forth the resume of winning like Thompson has in the past.
His staff will include former Williamson High School coach Curt Fletcher, current assistant coach Tyler Hodge, along with David “Moose” Ledger.
He takes over the program, vacated by former coach Edwyn May. His approval is expected to be made final by the Mingo County Board of Education.
The Panthers finished 13-13 this past season.
May guided the program the past four seasons since Thompson’s departure. He took the team to two state tournament appearance.