Polk County boys basketball coach Josh McEntire announced his resignation Friday afternoon after six seasons leading the program at his alma mater.

McEntire, a 1998 graduate of Polk County, ends his Wolverine career with a 59-90 record. His 59 career wins represent the second-highest total in school history.

“I want to thank the administration and the school system for giving me the opportunity,” McEntire said. “But after 20 years of coaching and playing in the program, it’s time for me to move on.”

Polk County finished the 2015-2016 season with a 7-18 record, including upsets of Mountain Heritage and Owen to reach the championship game of the Western Highlands Conference tournament.

McEntire, who replaced Craig Culbreth prior to the 2010-2011 season, has also stepped down as the school’s assistant baseball coach after 14 seasons in that role. He is currently serving as the spring assistant athletic director and said he hopes to continue those duties in the fall.

Polk County Schools superintendent Bill Miller said the district would soon begin advertising the basketball vacancy and hopes to select a replacement for McEntire sometime this spring.

“Coach McEntire gave his all to the PCHS basketball program, and we are very grateful for his dedication to our students and school,” said Polk County principal Mary Feagan.

McEntire’s best season came in 2011-2012, when the Wolverines finished 15-12 before falling in the first round of the state 2A playoffs at Mountain Heritage.

“I am very appreciative to the all the assistant coaches along the way – Chauncey Barber, Brian Taylor, Jon Hampton, Otis Miller, Chandler Miller and Josh Money – for all their hard work and dedication to the program,” McEntire said.

“To the players, I will always cherish the memories and joy they brought to my life. And most of all, I want to thank my parents and wife for being beside me during the past six years through the ups and downs of being a head coach.”

– Submitted by Andy Rhinehart