(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
Muncie Central didn’t have to look far for its next boys basketball coach. In fact, he was already in the building.
According to a release from the school on the morning of Thursday, May 8, Muncie Central athletic director Jeff Holloway will take over as the Bearcats boys basketball head coach. Holloway previously served in the same position from 2014-17, when he led Muncie Central to two sectional championship appearances.
“It’s fun being around these young people and helping them become the best people they can be,” Holloway said in the statement. “I thought my whistle was put up for good, but I have plenty left in the tank, and we’re going to get after it on the court. I can’t wait!”
Holloway returned to Muncie Central as the athletic director in 2021. Before that, he served as the boys basketball head coach at Avon, where he led the Orioles to a 4A sectional title in 2019. He has also served as the AD and basketball coach at Union (Modoc), where he led the Rockets to back-to-back sectional titles in 2012 and 2013. Holloway has a career record of 131-165 as a head coach between Union, Central and Avon.
Holloway graduated from Muncie Central in 1994. During his senior year, he led the Bearcats to a 24-2 record and earned a basketball scholarship to Arkansas State. He played professionally overseas before beginning his coaching career and later earned his Master’s in sports administration from Ball State.
“Jeff is a Bearcat through-and-through,” Muncie Central principal Chris Walker said in the statement. “He’s made a tremendous impact on all our programs as athletic director, and he knows how to win basketball games. More importantly, he’ll lead our team with integrity and develop our players to be great athletes and even better members of the community.”
Holloway’s new job as basketball coach will officially begin following his approval at the next Muncie Community Schools board meeting on May 13. Central physical education teacher and soccer coach Shea Hill will assist with some responsibilities for the athletic department.
Holloway will replace Justin Ullom, who resigned on April 2 and has since been hired as the head coach at Yorktown. Ullom went 31-41 in three seasons leading the Bearcats.
Contact Cade Hampton via email at cbhampton@muncie.gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @CadeHamp10.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Muncie Central AD Jeff Holloway to pull double-duty as boys basketball coach
Reporting by Cade Hampton, Muncie Star Press / Muncie Star Press
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