By Brad Hallier
Lonnie Paramore has respected Halstead and its boys basketball program for years.
Having coached Haven for the past 17 years, Paramore has coached against Halstead in the Central Kansas League. Haven also plays in Halstead’s annual midseason tournament, and in March, Haven played at Halstead in Class 3A substate play, where Haven was runner-up to Cheney. There’s also Halstead’s rich history, which includes former Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp, and eight state championships.
Wednesday, a bit of a shockwave was sent through central Kansas and the CKL when Halstead announced it had hired Paramore to be its next boys basketball coach.
Despite Halstead being one of Haven’s rivals, Paramore said the way Halstead has treated him and his teams through the years was a major draw.
“We played a lot of games at Halstead,” Paramore said. “We played there in league, we have three games at the Rupp (Tournament), and last year, substate was there. It was kind of a home away from home. I’ve always been impressed with their kindness and hospitality, from the scorer’s table to the people working the locker rooms.”
Going to Halstead will end a 30-year run coaching high school basketball in Reno County. Before Haven, Paramore coached 13 years at Fairfield.
Paramore noted there’s a Reno County connection with the football team, as former Trinity Catholic standout quarterback Derek Racette is the football coach. His father, Sean Racette, who was Derek’s high school coach, is a Halstead assistant.
Paramore will look to improve a program that has struggled since winning the 2018 3A championship. Last season, Halstead went 7-14.
Paramore added that he was looking forward to working alongside girls basketball coach Derek Schutte, who led the Halstead girls to their first-ever state title in March
“I know the guys weren’t as successful as they’d like,” Paramore said. “But there’s some good kids there. I’ve got nothing but high praise for them, and also for the girls coaches there. It’ll be a good fit.”
Paramore’s move comes at a time where change is common in the household. His wife, Tricia, is wrapping up her first year as Hutchinson Community College’s president. Their daughter, Faith, just finished her Master’s degree at Emporia State.
