MOUNT VERNON — For Bob Kintzel, family will unquestionably come first this winter.
Kintzel, who led Mount Vernon to a state championship in 2010 and three league championships in his five years, has resigned his girls’ basketball post at Mount Vernon High School.
“It’s because of my own girls,” Kintzel said, referring to daughters Shelby and Courtney, who are volleyball players at the University of Northern Iowa. “I had to miss the first round of the NCAA Tournament last year, and I don’t want to do that again.”
Kintzel compiled a 102-19 record, leading the Mustangs to the final Eastern Iowa Hawkeye Conference title in 2008, then Wamac Conference East Division crowns in 2011 and 2012.
Mount Vernon captured the 2A state championship in 2010, then finished second to Davenport Assumption in 3A in 2011.
“It’s been a great run. We’ve had some great athletes,” Kintzel said. “Once my daughters get out of college, I’ll see where I’m at, and maybe I’ll get back into it. I might consider volunteering at a local college for the time being, just to stay involved.”
I am so bummed because he is such a good coach – but I totally understand. I am selfish – I LOVED watching him coach. But….I also was at that first NCAA game last year that he had to miss! Huge loss to girls basketball.