Starnes hired as new boys bball coach at DCHS

Listen to interview with Athletic Director Jay Gifford

The Dodge City High School Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Tony Starnes as the new Head Basketball coach of the Red Demons – pending Board of Education approval at the next scheduled meeting.  

Coach Starnes is currently the head basketball coach at North Hopkins High School (TX).  He also serves as the Athletic Director at North Hopkins.  Starnes graduated from Howard Payne University, and received his Master’s degree from Texas A&M – Commerce.  Starnes was the Head Basketball Coach at Clarendon College for thirteen years before moving back to the Dallas metroplex.   Coach Starnes’ first position as a Head Basketball coach was at Dodd City H.S. (TX).  He has coached six teams to the Texas UIL state playoffs, and at Clarendon he twice led his teams to the national scoring title.     

“Getting young kids excited about Red Demon Basketball is my first priority,” Starnes said. “I want kids from an early age wanting to play for the Red Demons. For this to happen, kids have to be exposed to our staff, our players, and myself.  We plan on being very visible in the community.   At the Middle School level – our goal is to develop a coordinated, comprehensive, and vertically aligned basketball program for the transition from Middle School to High School.  Finally, being the Head Coach at Dodge City means that I am involved and actively participating in the present and future.  At all levels my staff and I want to be upbeat and active communicators; as well as visual, vocal and vigilant in helping these RED DEMONS develop as basketball players and young men.”

The hire was a no brainer for Athletic Director Jay Gifford.

“We believe Tony is going to be an outstanding fit for the Red Demon Basketball program,” he said.  “Coach Starnes understands the privilege of being able to build on the legacy left by Coach Hamilton is an advantage that can lead to immediate buy-in and success.  Coach Starnes is a life-long student of the game and has been very effective at implementing his system everywhere he has been.  Coach Starnes brings an enthusiasm to the position that will allow the student-athletes in our basketball program to reach and exceed their potential.  We believe Tony understands the vision of the DCHS Athletic Department – to develop character in all of our athletes, and is committed to making a difference at Dodge High.”