One day Rod Gorman will have the title “Hall of Fame Coach” before his name, but for now he’ll enjoy some time away from basketball.
Gorman has decided to retire his post as athletic director and boys basketball coach at Rogersville after 20 years on the job.
“I am eligible for retirement and with Marcus graduating it seemed like the right time for me and our family,” said Gorman. “My time at LR has been very special to our family. We live in the community and the school is our life. Our kids know nothing else and Rog is home.”
Rogersville Basketball and Rod Gorman have been synonymous for the past two decades after he made stops at three other schools before finding the fit that would define his career and shape his family's lives.
"Many coaches spend their entire careers chasing their dream job; I have been honored and blessed to have found mine here at LR," Gorman said. "The success we've had here at LR has been overwhelming and our kids have worked hard to keep this program at the highest level."
The veteran coach has won more than 500 games in his career, 384 of which have come in the last 20 years at Rogersville after spending time at Cape Central, Festus and Bourbon.
Gorman’s career is about as decorated as it gets. For a program in the Ozarks there virtually isn’t anything Rogersville hasn’t done with Gorman at the helm.
COC championships? Gorman and his teams have nine…
District titles? Gorman and his teams have eight, six of which ended in Elite Eight runs…
Blue and Gold championships? Gorman and his teams have three…
While the one thing missing from his legacy was an elusive Final Four run, Gorman was afforded an opportunity that not many coaches at any level get; the chance to coach senior guard Marcus Gorman, his son.
"Many coaches/father's never get to truly enjoy what I have over the last four years," Gorman said. "We have spent countless hours with these boys (from spending the night, fishing, on the river, ball games, etc…), watching many grow up since preschool and now to finally watch them become some amazing young men is truly an honor. Very few father's get to experience those types of things with their children and their friends."
The last 20 years have clearly been good to Gorman. He notes that he will miss the first day of practice each year, big games and rivalries, and seeing the joy in the locker following a win, but he knew it was time to try something new.
"People always say you will know when it is time and I knew that it was time to cut back on the 60-plus hours I was putting in to my job and stop and learn to enjoy other parts of life," Gorman said.
One of the big things Gorman will have time for is to be a fan of his daughter Grace as she continues her high school basketball career.
"Gracie, my daughter loves the game of basketball as much as I do. She's a student of the game, highly competitive and wants to succeed at a high level," Gorman said. "It will be so much fun, watching her play and helping her attain her goals."
When not watching Grace, you will be able to find Gorman relaxing on the farm.
"We own a farm in Licking, and I love spending time there in the outdoors from piddling on the farm to fishing on the river and catching up with all my brothers and sister," Gorman said. "(I am) looking forward to just hanging out and vacationing with my family and friends in a variety of settings."
Rogersville has already begun its search to find a replacement for Gorman, which will be easier said than done considering the impact he has had on the program.
While he hasn’t completely ruled out a return to coaching in the future, his pending retirement gives him an opportunity to reflect on his career as a Wildcat.
“I have loved my time at LR It is a great basketball school and community I am very proud of our program and accomplishments,” said Gorman.
