Darryl Dickson has stepped down as head coach of Central Valley High School's varsity boys basketball program for personal reasons.
Dickson cited a need to spend more time with his four younger children, who are in the 3-9 age range.
Darryl's schedule change will also allow him to test his coaching skills at the college level.
"I don't think people realize the commitment it takes to maintain a competitive program," Dickson said. "You're always away from your family. When you have four little ones, it's hard to get them to all of their practices and games. It's time to be a bigger and better part of their lives."
Darryl will no longer have to deal with the grind of being a head coach.
Dickson coached boys basketball at Central Valley for 12 seasons, starting at the junior-varsity level when the high school opened its doors with sophomore and freshman students in 2005-06.
"I established the foundation," Dickson said. "We were always competitive. Our program is respected. That's what's important."
Darryl was head coach for the varsity program's first 11 seasons (2006-2017). The Hawks posted a combined record of 132-166, captured one conference title and participated in the playoffs three times.
Central Valley enjoyed its best season to date during the 2013-14 campaign. The Hawks went 22-4, placed first in the Western Athletic Conference with a perfect 12-0 record, reeled off 15 straight wins, qualified for the Division-III postseason tournament and hosted their first-ever playoff game.
"It took longer than I expected but we were able to have success," Dickson said. "I was fortunate enough to bring a league title to the school. I enjoyed watching the kids develop from a basketball and an academic perspective. We've been able to place kids in four-year and two-year programs. It's gratifying to be a part of that."
Dickson will help Mike Girardi coach Modesto Junior College men's basketball team this winter.
He'll reunite with three of his former players, including son Jaron Dickson, stepson Ryan Donnelly and Juan Manriquez.
"This is the last opportunity I'll get to be a part of their life in respect to basketball," Dickson said. "It's a cool situation."
Mike Rodriguez was promoted to fill Dickson's position at Central Valley.
"He's earned the position," Darryl said. "He was my assistant for quite a while. He's going to do a great job."
