J.R. Shumate leaving Newark for collegiate coaching job

NEWARK ― It was an opportunity J.R. Shumate couldn't pass up.

After being offered a Division I collegiate assistant coaching job, the highly-successful girls basketball coach is leaving Newark as a coach and administrator.

Shumate, who in 13 seasons led the Wildcats to 255 wins, seven consecutive district titles, four Final Fours and a state runner-up finish, resigned in 2021, remaining as a high school assistant principal. But he was rehired two months ago as head coach. That job has been posted again by the district.

"It was really good timing," said Shumate, who runs the Ohio Future AAU basketball program. "I've always wanted to be a college coach. I've spent 26 years as a high school coach, and I'm really passionate about coaching. Now I'll be able to do it full time."

As details are still being finalized, Shumate declined to say where he is headed.

His wife Kari is retiring from the Tri-Valley district. Oldest daughter Katie, who just finished a stellar Kent State career, is expected to play professionally overseas, where son J.T. is performing. Daughter Emma, who played for Ohio State's Big Ten regular-season champions, is transferring to Michigan State. Freshman daughter Kyren competes in track for the Wildcats and already has one of the program's best long jumps.

Shumate said he will be forever grateful to Newark for the opportunity to grow as both a leader and a coach.

"I've spent 22 years here," he said. "Four years at the elementary, eight at the middle school and 10 years as assistant principal at the high school."

He had hit the ground running since taking back over as head coach and said the Wildcats are poised to enjoy continued success. Top players Calli Geller and Emma Quackenbush are freshmen.

"The girls have been working so hard," he said. "Since spring break, they've been coming in at 6 a.m.. They've been doing track, lower and upper body workouts. I'm very proud of the girls. Whoever takes over is going to get a very hungry group."

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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: J.R. Shumate leaving Newark for collegiate coaching job