Mason County will have a new boys’ basketball coach for the 2018-2019 season.
The Mason County athletic department announced that James “Buddy” Biggs has resigned from the Royals’ head coaching position on Friday after three seasons.
“There’s nothing here other than I’ve been doing it for 30 years and it’s just time. I’m choosing this for family reasons and my own personal health reasons. It’s not about pursuing other coaching jobs. I’m done,” said Biggs. “Thirty years was enough for me. It’s time for me to go home and be a full time husband and full time father.”
He ends his tenure with the Royals with a 57-41 record, two 39th District titles and one 10th Region title. In 17 seasons as a head coach, Biggs compiled a 331-207 record, claiming 11 district championships and two regional championships.
Biggs says the decision to stop coaching had been weighing on him for some time, but the decision to resign came only within 24 to 48 hours before the announcement.
“There’s nothing negative going on here. There weren’t any issues. It was a very positive meeting. I told them of my decision and I’m very much at peace with my decisions,” said Biggs. “The grind after 30 years was just enough for me.”
Biggs took over the Mason County program for the 2015-2016 season, compiling a 23-11 record. The Royals fell to Augusta, 63-61, in the 39th District final that season, but beat the Panthers in the regional final to earn a berth in the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys Sweet Sixteen.
“I’m very proud of the success we had. Of course the 10th region championship – I think it was unexpected to stay the least. That night was very special. That whole week was special. We hit a buzzer beater to beat Campbell, we had the rematch with Augusta,” said Biggs. “The memories from that whole week, at least on the court, was the highest point. It was a great, great week for the program and kids and coaches.”
The Royals posted a 17-16 record the next season and beat Bracken County, 73-68, in the 39th District final, before falling to eventual Sweet Sixteen semifinalist Scott in the 10th Region Tournament quarterfinals.
Mason County went 17-14 this winter, again beating Bracken County in the district final before falling to Scott in the 10th Region quarterfinals.
“We appreciate all of Coach Biggs’ contributions and efforts the past 3 seasons,” a press release from the Mason County athletic department said.
Mason County plans on beginning the search for a new boys’ basketball coach immediately and does not currently have any candidates to fill the position, according to Mason County assistant athletic director Chris Ullery.
Biggs spent nine seasons at Ashland Blazer prior to landing in Maysville, accumulating six 20-win seasons and leading the Tomcats to the 16th Region championship game four times. Before that, Biggs was the head coach at Pendleton County. His stay there was highlighted by a 10th Region title in 2005 – his first as a head coach.
Biggs was also an assistant on the Henderson County team that won the Region 2 championship and made it to the state semifinals in 1999.
“Winning the three regional championships I was a part of in ‘99, 2005 and 2016 – those stick out for sure,” said Biggs. “Getting to coach in Rupp Arena and the Sweet Sixteen was very special, no question.”
Also special for Biggs was the chance to coach at a school that has historically been a basketball power, including the recent success of state championships in 2003 and 2008, to go along with numerous 10th Region titles.
“I would just like to thank Mr. Ross and Mr. O’Hearn, Mr. Faulkner and Mr. Ullery. Those guys were very influential in giving me the opportunity to coach here. I’m very proud to be the coach here for the three years I was,” said Biggs. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity, but now I’m very excited for the opportunity to go to games and cheer on the Royals with my family instead of away from my family.”
Biggs says he’s hoping to spend more time with his family, including his wife, his 23-year old son who lives in Northern Kentucky and his youngest son, Case, who is four, and there’s only one coaching position he’s interested in right now.
“My next coaching gig is Case’s T-ball team,” said Biggs. “I had 30 great years. Not many people get to do what they love for 30 great years.”
