Forest Park girls coach excited for new role after back-to-back state championships

Tony Hasenour jokes that he will need a life preserver in his newest role at Forest Park High School. He's entering uncharted waters.

After compiling a 130-51 record in seven years with the back-to-back Class 2A state champion girls basketball program, he was named the school's athletics director on Wednesday evening. He is succeeding Doug Louden, who was the AD for the past 21 years until retiring last month.

Yet, the promotion means Hasenour will be stepping away from the sidelines.

"The things that we've been able to accomplish have been special," Hasenour told the Courier & Press. "Those memories will always be near and dear to my heart. I think the future is bright here at Forest Park. The girls are working really hard and are working hard this summer. Good things are ahead as well."

Shortly after the news became official, he posted a lengthy statement on social media thanking seemingly everyone involved with the program from his players and assistant coaches to the bus drivers and custodians. Hasenour is excited about a new opportunity and the challenges it will bring after he's been at his alma mater as a teacher and coach since 2000.

"I am so lucky to have been part of this program and coached the girls I have coached," he wrote. "I want to thank them all... your belief in me as a coach meant everything."

Hasenour was the Rangers' junior varsity coach before moving up to varsity, where he took the program to new heights over the past two state championship seasons. He admits stepping aside was a tough decision, and he will certainly miss working with the girls.

Still, it's been rewarding for him to see his players grow from the youth program all the way up to adulthood. He always looks forward to seeing them go on to graduate from college, start professional careers, get married and have children.

That's why there were plenty of late nights as he and his wife, Janelle, discussed whether he should apply to take over as athletics director.

"We felt like it was a good opportunity," he said. "It's something that I felt would be good for me and good for us. So we decided to throw my hat in the ring and I was selected."

Now, he gets to handpick his successor to continue the winning tradition the Rangers established with him at the helm. Hasenour is grateful for all the times he spent with Louden, who navigated Hasenour through many difficult situations and allowed him to dream big.

He was encouraged by his former players and their parents to take over the athletics department. Other coaches and ADs also lent their support.

"It was very nice of everyone to take the time to do that," Hasenour said. "(I'm) just grateful that I've got so many people in my corner."

Hasenour is excited to become more involved with the rest of the Rangers' athletic programs. He noted the successful track and field career of Rachel Mehringer, now a four-time state champion in hurdles and Mental Attitude Award winner. He also shouted out Riley Hinson and Luke Hauser for their efforts at the state track and field finals last weekend.

"I'm excited to learn these new things and lead the athletic department," Hasenour said. "I'm excited to hopefully continue on the tradition of Forest Park athletics."

Courier & Press sports reporter Treasure Washington can be reached via her email, treasure.washington@courierpress.com, and on Twitter @Twashington490.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Forest Park promotes Tony Hasenour from girls basketball coach to AD