Sutton resigns as Tide girls' coach

Shocked but not surprised, but COLUMBIA TALK learned this afternoon that Gary Sutton has resigned his position as girls' basketball coach at Columbia High School.

In a 90-minute telephone conversation, looking back fondly on his years at Columbia, Sutton confirmed his resignation saying “there were a number of reasons, including pending knee replacement surgery later this summer.”

And coaching at Columbia is his last stop on the coaching ladder after 36 years. “I have no plans to coach anywhere else,” Sutton said.

This was Sutton's second go round at Columbia. He served as boys' coach for five years, which culminated in an improbable state title in 1987.

“Columbia has been and always will be a special place for me,” Sutton said.

He said he spoke to a couple of players yesterday and today about his decision and will meet with his now former coaching staff tonight.

“I enjoyed coaching and really thought a lot about this decision,” Sutton said.

In his three years as girls' coach, Sutton went 8-55 and the team improved each year.

“Both times I left Columbia, I left the program in much better shape than when I came here,” he said/.

Whoever gets the position will have at least four starters and other key reserves returning.