Clint Kinnamon next GBB coach at McPherson HS
McPherson High School is excited to announce Clint Kinnamon as the next head coach of the Lady Pup Basketball Program! Coach Kinnamon comes to MHS with 32 years of head coaching experience, that includes 15 state tournament appearances, four state championships, three runners-up, two third place finishes, and one COVID final four.
Coach Kinnamon has a proven track record leading several successful programs that include the girl's program at Claflin, and the boy’s programs at Arkansas City, St. John-Hudson, Wichita-East and Remington, amassing a 520-240 career record as a head coach. His St. John’s teams hold the state record for winning percentage in all classes at the state tournament, 85.6% (18-4), and set the state record for consecutive wins at 63 (2013-15). Kinnamon has helped develop multiple players that made the jump to the next level after high school, including Jackie Stiles at Claflin, and Dean Wade at St. John. Coach Kinnamon has been honored as the Topeka Capitol Journal Co-Coach of the Year (‘15), KBCA Basketball Coach of the Year 4X (‘07, ‘13, ‘14, ‘15), Sports in Kansas Coach ofthe Year 3X (‘14, ‘15, ‘20), Varsity Kansas Coach of the Year 3X (‘14, ‘15, ‘20), Kansas Coaches Association Coach of the Year (‘14), Western Kansas Coach of the Year 8X (‘94, ‘95, ‘96, ‘04, ‘06, ‘07, ‘08, ‘15) and Ark Valley League Co-Coach of the Year (‘01).
Coach Kinnamon, who is a graduate of Hutchinson Community College and McPherson College, will teach in the McPherson Alternative Center at MHS beginning next fall.
McPherson Activities Director, Shane Backhus, said this about the hire: “We are very excited for Clint Kinnamon to lead the McPherson High Girls Basketball Program into the future. We did a state wide search, and had excellent applicants and interviews. Coach Kinnamon set himself apart through the interview process with his passion and knowledge of the game, experience, and ability to build great relationships with students and players. Our interview committee was extremely impressed with his desire to develop teams with high character and tough competitors. Coach Kinnamon has the experience and ability to lead our program into the future, and carry on the traditions of success, which were established by former coaches Scott Schafer and Chris Strathman.”
Coach Kinnamon shared these thoughts as he makes the transition to MHS: "Following two highly successful coaches is never an easy task. Coach Schafer and Coach Strathman both did an amazing job leading the Girls Basketball program for many years and have left it in great shape. I'm extremely excited to become part of the tradition that is Bullpup Girls Basketball and will try to continue and build upon their success. There is a lot of talent in McPherson and I am thrilled to get the chance to meet the high school, middle school and youth players to talk about my vision to lead the program for years to come."
Coach Kinnamon will get right to work at MHS reaching out to players, and establishing summer basketball activities. Information on upcoming meetings and dates will be shared when available. He can be reached for questions or comments at kinnamonclint@gmail.com.