Runge’s athletic director will be leaving the school district at the end of the school year, according to a resignation he submitted February 5.

There are no hard feelings; Athletic Director Darryl Smithey simply wants to pursue other opportunities closer to his home in Seguin, according to Runge ISD Superintendent Ernest Havner.

"He lives in Seguin and he has two little girls. It’s just basically the wear and tear on the driving and he wants to get closer to his family," Havner said. "He wanted to take the opportunity to explore (coaching) positions that are in the area."

Smithey, a coach with four years of history at Runge ISD, has been the athletic director for two years. He was one of the major decision makers in moving the school to a non-sanctioned independent football program and has led the Yellow Jacket basketball team to the playoffs three years in a row.

He will continue to coach the boys basketball team and otherwise direct the athletics program until the school year ends May 30.

"I’d like to thank the school board and Mr. Havner for giving me an opportunity to coach here. I wish nothing but the best for the students. But it is in my best interest to resign at this time and to try to pursue something closer to my home," Smithey said.

The school’s independent football program will continue through the 2007 football season, with the option to go back to sanctioned play in 2008 (a move Smithey had planned to make after the program had been built back up over two years).

Havner said he doesn’t believe Runge will have a problem attracting a good athletic director despite the football program’s independent status.

"I think people that want to be a head coach realize that they have to start somewhere," he said. "People will be looking for a head coaching position because they’ll always look to advance to the next level. I think we’ll have plenty of applicants."