Paul Cretton’s win-loss total as a basketball coach is not how he hopes to be remembered.
While having done wonders at Bradley Central as the successor to the legendary Jim Smiddy and becoming a fixture at Walker Valley, where he plans to retire from coaching at the end of the school year, Cretton sees the full picture.
“The biggest thing is building relationships,” Cretton said. “Being able to help young people and give them advice occasionally is something I hope did a little bit of good. I am grateful to have had a lot of great kids in the classroom and on the court.”
After 38 years in education and 24 of those as an assistant or head coach, the sideline leader and off-the-court mentor is ready for the next step.
In 10 seasons as a high school head coach at two Bradley County programs, he compiled a record of 234-83 (.738).
“I think it’s time to move on from coaching,” Cretton said. “I feel very blessed and fortunate for the career I have had. I don’t know what is next, but I know the good Lord will help work everything out.”
Cretton spent 19 years at Bradley Central and compiled a 177-24 (.881) as head coach of the Bearettes from 1993 to 1999, winning six straight District 5-AAA championships and reaching the state sectional round every season. His 1994-95 squad finished 35-3 and was the state runner-up.
The Indiana native went on to serve as an athletic director and eventually an assistant principal at the newly opened Walker Valley High, where he took over the girls’ basketball program later in 2015.
Cretton also spent time as an assistant basketball coach at Lee University and took on the role of NCAA compliance officer for the Division II program.
His Lady Mustangs teams went 57-59, which included seasons of 18-12 in 2016-17 and 17-11 in 2017-18.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.