Q-Ball will no longer be rolling in the Hogoheegee District this fall.

Quinton Hensley confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that he has stepped down as Rural Retreat’s football coach to become the assistant principal at the school.

“It was a very, very hard decision,” Hensley said. “I still love coaching, but the time was right.”

Hensley compiled a 40-32 record as head coach. He directed his team to the Region C, Division 1 title in each of his first three seasons on the job and the Indians won at least one playoff game in five of
his six seasons.

“I’ve got a lot of good memories,” Hensley said. “I was part of six Region C championships as either an assistant or head coach. I had a lot of good players and a lot of good relationships.”

One of the district’s best tacticians and offensive masterminds, Hensley spent 17 seasons as an assistant, including 11 as offensive coordinator, under Dean Rhea.

When he took over for Rhea as head coach in 2004, he kept the winning tradition going.

In his first season, the Indians sneaked into the postseason with a 4-6 record. They proceeded to reach the state semifinals.

“My first year was really kind of special,” Hensley said. “As the year went on, we peaked at the right time. That ride was a lot of fun. … I was very fortunate to have a lot of great players.”

Hensley is also relinquishing his duties as girls basketball coach. He had contemplated the thought of going the administrative route before.

“I’ve had my degree since 2003 and this was the third time the job came open,” Hensley said. “I always thought that it would be a good job and the time was now.”

Hensley’s successor is expected to be named soon.

After more than two decades on the sideline, Hensley admits it will be strange not being on the field when two-a-day practices start on Aug. 2 and the Indians open the season on Aug. 27 against Fort
Chiswell.

“It is going to be weird and it’s going to take some adjusting,” Hensley said. “But I’m going to try to be the biggest Rural Retreat supporter I can. … The role is a little different, but I’ll still be around.”

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