Etheridge says this is last year to coach Marble Falls High School basketball
MARBLE FALLS — Marble Falls High School boys basketball head coach Bruce Etheridge has decided to step down from that position.
He made the announcement April 5.
"I’m at a point in my career that I need to focus on me a little bit and my family," he said. "I plan for this year to be the last year I coach in Marble Falls. It’s been a great run."
His wife, Rhonda, is an assistant principal at the high school, while daughter Kiara is in the 11th grade there. Son Brian is in the eighth grade at Marble Falls Middle School.
As for his next job, the coach said he is exploring his options.
"I developed a lot of relationships and helped a lot of students, and I plan to continue to do that," he said. "I plan to finish up my administrative degree and see where that takes me. My passion is to help students become better within themselves."
When Etheridge took over the program in 2008, the Mustangs hadn’t been to the playoffs since the 2004-2005 season.
By the 2010-2011 season, the Mustangs finished second in District 25-4A and advanced to the regional quarterfinals.
The last three seasons, Marble Falls went 41-60.
This past season was characterized by rebuilding as the Mustangs struggled through district play and didn’t earn a victory.
"We have some good talent coming back," the coach said. "We endured the losing this year, so they can win next year."
Etheridge asked NBA player Brian Skinner, who played for the coach at Temple, to conduct several summer basketball camps.
The coach said he has great memories of his time as the Mustangs skipper.
"I have no regrets in the development of the program," he said. "I’m leaving the program stronger than how I got it. I developed some valuable relations. I feel relationships are more important than wins and losses."
Kiara injured an anterior cruciate ligament in early December and underwent surgery. She is now going through physical therapy.
Changing career gears allows him more time to help his daughter with her recovery, as well as spend more time with his son, the coach said.
"I can see my children play from a true parent point of view," he said.
The future holds great promise, Etheridge said.
"I believe there’s a bigger plan for me and my family," he said. "Sometimes you have to be still and listen."
Another son, Bron Etheridge, has graduated from the high school.
For more on this story, pick up The River Cities Sunday Tribune April 7-8.