courtesy of Shawana Cox

400 career wins

The Willow Springs High School Lady Bears basketball team led their coach Shannon Crain to his 400th win on Feb. 13. The Lady Bears took a close victory against the Cabool Bulldogs with a final score of 51-46.
“It felt good to get to double-digits this season. Many predicted much fewer wins this season.” Coach Crain told Howell County News. “As for the 400-win milestone, I have been blessed with a lot of dedicated players over the years who have made some great memories.”
Coach Crain began his coaching career in 1991 at Hartville. He started out as an assistant coach for the boys’ basketball team. Then he moved to head coaching in Plato for the boys’ basketball team.
A year into coaching at Plato, he also became the high school principal. Crain coached for 16 years with 249 wins, and held the principal position for 15 years in Plato. Another move saw him coaching for the Norwood ladies’ basketball team, where he also became the superintendent. Crain ended his Norwood coaching career with 122 wins.
Two years into coaching the Lady Bears, the team has 29 games under Crain’s leadership.
In his 26th year as head coach, he celebrated 400 career wins.
“I felt [that] coaching was what God was calling me to do,” says Crain. 
“400 wins is an outstanding accomplishment for a basketball coach, not many get that far,” said Robert James, Athletic Director of Willow Springs R-IV school district. “Coach Crain has dedicated his life to student athletes and education.”    
As for the future of the Lady Bears basketball team, “We are praying to finish strong on our remaining season.” says Crain. “We begin districts soon, and we are hoping to surprise everyone with a great finish.”
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Howell County News

110 W. Main St.,
Willow Springs, MO 65793
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