U-Hi Gymnastics Coach Steps Down

University High School’s most successful coach of the 1990s is calling it quits.

Longtime Titans gymnastics coach Stacey Heaton has resigned after 14 seasons to spend more time with her family. Her oldest of two sons, Garrett, will be a senior this fall. Gavin is a sophomore-to-be.

“I don’t think I would ever forgive myself if I didn’t give him all my time his senior year,” Heaton said. “He probably won’t even notice. It’s more for me. I’m just really feeling kind of like the clock’s ticking down and I only have so much time left with my family before he goes off to college.”

Heaton said the decision to leave coaching was a difficult one.

“It’s in my blood and it will never leave me,” she said, noting she will watch from the stands next season. “It was hard to tell the girls. This program has been one of the highlights of my life because of the support of the administration at school, the parents, and I just love these girls.

“I haven’t had a gymnast yet who I haven’t fallen in love with and loved to coach. That’s going to be the hardest part. I don’t know if it’s hit me yet.”

Heaton has coached gymnastics in some capacity since she was a junior in high school.

At U-Hi, her teams compiled a 193-20 cumulative dual-meet record in the past 11 years.

Heaton’s gymnasts won seven Greater Spokane League titles between 1991 and ‘98, including six in a row with a 127-2 record and five regional titles. The team went undefeated for four years from ‘95 through ‘98, winning 35 straight multi-team meets for an 87-0 dual mark.

U-Hi activities coordinator Ken VanSickle isn’t sure who will replace her. He hopes to hire a new coach before school starts.

That person will have big shoes to fill.

“She’s had one of the most successful careers of anyone in our building,” VanSickle said. “It’s difficult to lose a top-notch coach. She had valid reasons. Coaches need to take care of themselves and their families. It was tough for her. She loves the girls and the relationships she’s built with her gymnasts, and the success of the program. But she only has so much time.”

Heaton will continue to teach English.

Anyone interested in the position can contact VanSickle at 922-6828.

Mariners tryout

The Seattle Mariners tryout scheduled for 4 p.m. today has been moved from Spokane Falls Community College to University High School.

The camp will last about 3 hours and is open to players ages 16 to 23. Legion players must have signed consent from their coach to participate.

Golf

Katie Brophy of Spokane qualified for the girls USGA Junior Amateur Championship by shooting a 78 at Centerwood Golf and Country Club in Gig Harbor.

Brophy will be a junior this fall at Gonzaga Prep. The championship will be contested in Cornelius, Ore., July 31-Aug. 5.