In a surprising move this morning, Hank Hollywood resigned as Athletic Director/Head Football Coach at Italy High School when he submitted his resignation to school superintendent, Barry Bassett.

Hollywood moves on after spending just one year at Italy but it proved to be a successful year with the football team reaching the State semifinals, both the girls and boys basketball teams reaching the playoffs and with the baseball and softball team making the playoffs. Hollywood helped sophomore, Kortnei Johnson, earn two State championship medals in track while breaking two State records, as well as, having Kendra Copeland, Ryisha Coplenad and Halee Turner also represent Italy at the State meet in Austin.

Three football players were named All-State performers in Marvin Cox, Ryheem Walker and Zain Byers along with two softball players who received All-State honors in Alyssa Richards and Jaclynn Lewis.

Three athletes received athletic scholarship with Alyssa Richards to play softball for Tennessee Tech University, Cole Hopkins will play basketball for Mary Hardin Baylor and Ryheem Walker will play football for Tyler Junior College.

Hollywood will be the new defensive coordinator, head powerlifting coach and head track coach for the Palmer Bulldogs for the 2013-2014 season. The Italy Gladiators will face Palmer in the 2nd football scrimmage of the season scheduled for Thursday, August 22.

Italy ISD was already in the process of bringing in a predominately new coaching staff with Charles Tindol from Iola arriving in a week to join remaining coaches Wayne Rowe, Tina Richards and Melissa Fullmer.

“Mr. Hollywood brought an intense and proactive approach to the athletic program. He will be missed. We wish him the best of luck in his new role at Palmer,” commented Italy ISD principal Lee Joffre, from his office this morning. “Italy ISD will continue to prepare for the upcoming school year by meeting the academic needs of the students while patiently selecting suitable coaches and teachers. We will fill all vacancies and formulate long term plans as we prepare for a successful school year, both in athletics and in the classroom.”

Mr. Joffre also stressed the supervised morning summer workouts will continue as normal starting at 8:00 a.m. down at the field house on Monday, June 24.