Wise head basketball coach Rob Garner will not be coaching the Pumas next season after the school’s athletic director decided not to renew his contract, Garner confirmed to The Washington Post. Garner informed players and families of the news Thursday.
Garner was the head coach at Wise for seven years, collecting a 131-34 record. Before that he spent four years in the same position at Friendly High School. Garner sent the following text to players and their families Thursday night:
“Good Evening To My Wise Family,
It is with great disappointment that I inform you that Dr. Henry A. Wise HS’s Athletic Director notified me that my contract will not be renewed as Head Varsity Basketball Coach for 2018-2019 school year.
This news was a complete surprise to me as I have served as a Coach for over 18 years, building robust high school programs, preparing student athletes to go to college and teaching the fundamentals of the game. Despite the decision of the athletic program, I will continue to strive to serve and support young men in their pursuit of basketball.
I wish your families the best in their endeavors and will stand ready to support them with their secondary and post-secondary goals.”
Wise finished No. 14 in the Washington Post top 25 rankings last season with a 20-5 record. The team was led by senior point guard Sherwyn Devonish, who is committed to Morgan State.
Jesse Dougherty contributed to this report.