PAYSON — Two coaches at Payson High School announced recently that they are leaving the school at the end of this school year and a third Payson coach was replaced a few weeks ago.
Girls basketball coach David Hiatt, who led the Lions to the state championship in the 2004-05 season, is leaving after eight years at the helm. Actually, Hiatt coached for three years, took a sabbatical to earn a master's degree, and then returned to coach for five more seasons. Hiatt plans to finally use that master's degree and will become a counselor at a new junior high school in Payson. District policy does not permit administrators to be coaches.
Also leaving the school is football coach Colby Knight, who just finished his fourth and most-successful year at the school. Even though the Lions won only eight games the past four seasons, they won their first three this year, advanced to the postseason and finished with a 4-7 mark. Under Knight's direction the number of players participating in Payson's football program has almost doubled.
Knight is leaving for personal reasons and is undecided about his future.
"It is going to be very difficult to fill Colby's shoes," principal John Penrod said. "He is both an excellent teacher and coach."
Last month the school replaced softball coach Meghan Merideth with assistant coach Brent Shurtleff.
Those interested in either the football or basketball position can contact Penrod at Payson High School at 801-465-6025 or the human resources office at Nebo School District. Because of the need to get a football coach on staff by summer, the school will take applications for that position only until March 23.