Stout reconsiders; will stay at PHS

TEXICO — Texico High School is seeking a new girls basketball coach again.

Clay Stout, who accepted the Texico position earlier this month, had a change of heart and has decided to stay with the girls head coaching position at Portales.

He said Tuesday night that it was an excruciating decision for him.

“In 30 years (of coaching), I’ve never been in this situation before,” said Stout, who led the Lady Rams to a 17-10 record in his first season at the school. “They’re both great communities.

“I probably rushed my decision (to take the Texico job), but after careful prayer and consideration, I knew it wasn’t what God’s plan was.”

The Portales School Board met Tuesday morning to consider Stout’s request to return.

“Coach Stout … asked his resignation be withdrawn here and I feel that is a positive thing,” Portales Superintendent of Schools Randy Fowler said. “We’re going to reinstate him as coach and teacher for Portales Schools.

“I think he is a good man, a good teacher and a good coach. When we hired him, we felt he was the best person for the position and I still feel that way. I am pleased he changed his mind.”

Keith Durham, who led Texico to Class 2A girls state titles in each of his two years at the helm but resigned that position after being named principal and athletic director in March, said the school will begin the search process again.

“We’re kind of taking a deep breath,” Durham said. “But this is a great job, and I’m positive we’re going to get some great candidates.

“(Stout) felt like God’s will was for him not to be at Texico. I wish he was here, but I can respect his decision.”

Stout, who spent around 25 years coaching in girls basketball programs at Happy and Sudan, said he never expected to be in this situation. He met with Texico players on Tuesday to explain his decision.

“I feel bad about it,” he said. “I have friends in both communities that I care about deeply.

“All I know is I have to go forward from here.”