Scott Chalk was perfectly happy coaching boys basketball at Franklin County High School, but then came an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
Chalk has accepted the job of head boys basketball coach at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington.
“Three years ago I was approached about the job when it was open by some school administrators and people in the system,” Chalk said Monday.
“The timing was not very good that time,” he added. “Katelyn (Chalk’s older daughter) was going into her sophomore year at Franklin County. We weren’t going to move her. I didn’t want to be vested in two schools at one time, and I would have been with Katelyn at Franklin County.”
The Dunbar job came open again in April when Justin Yeary resigned after two years as the Bulldogs’ head coach.
“A few weeks ago out of the blue the coach who had the job resigned,” Chalk said, “and I felt like the timing was a lot better.
“It’s a situation where honestly and truly I have not applied for one job while I’ve been at Franklin County. I wasn’t looking for a job, but Dunbar is a special situation and a special school.
“This is something I haven’t done in my coaching career. I haven’t coached at one of the city schools in Lexington or Louisville, and this is a very special opportunity. Dunbar academically is one of the top schools in the state.”
Chalk came to Frankfort in 1995 as the head boys basketball coach at Frankfort High and stayed at FHS for nine years before moving over to FCHS.
During his nine seasons at Franklin County Chalk compiled a record of 141-116, and the Flyers advanced to the regional tournament seven out of the nine years.
“I can’t say enough good things about Franklin County,” Chalk said. “Mrs. (Sharon) Collett has been terrific to work with, and it’s everyone there. It’s a great staff, great teachers I’ve gotten to work with, and it’s been a great experience.
“I feel like I’m leaving the program in great shape,” he added. “We’ve won four out of the last five district titles.
“I’ve worked with some great kids, parents and faculty.”
At Dunbar Chalk inherits a team that went 17-15 last season, losing in the semifinals of the 43rd District tournament.
Among the players returning next season are seniors-to-be William Gary and Mike Smith, who both averaged over 20 points last year, and 6-7 Taylor King.
“There’s a good bunch of rising seniors so next year should be pretty good,” Chalk said. “That gives us the first year to work with the younger players and develop this program from top to bottom in the next few years.”
Chalk said his family won’t be moving.
“If this was in Bowling Green I wouldn’t be interested,” he said. “I’m not interested in going anywhere. Everything about this fits. The timing is good, and I believe in timing. Every job I’ve taken the timing has just fallen into place.
“It’s not just any school, but this particular school that’s one of the top schools in the state that makes the opportunity pretty great.”
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