Skyler Gillispie announced he is stepping down as head boys basketball coach at Camas High School to take a job with Western Washington University.
Gillispie made the announcement Tuesday afternoon on social media.
“There isn’t enough time to thank everyone who has played a part in making the last (six) years possible,” Gillispie posted. “First, to all my current and former players, thank you for the memories; love you all. To a community that stood behind our program, thank you for supporting our student-athletes. Thank you to the (three athletic directors) during my tenure. They have each helped me grow as a mentor and coach. To my amazing staff, thank you for your time, patience and loyalty. To friends and family that have lifted me in tough times and celebrate the good.
“And lastly to my selfless wife, who is my No. 1 fan and will always be my rock. Roll Makers!”
Rory Oster, the school’s athletic director, said he received Gillispie’s resignation Tuesday. The coach did meet with his players, Oster said.
“I’m happy for Skyler. It’s the next step for him,” Oster said. “I fully support him but sad to see him go.
“He has a huge future ahead of him. I’m super happy and proud of him for earning this new opportunity.”
As far as the future of Camas boys basketball, the school will open the position soon. Oster said this is the ideal time on the calendar for a coach search.
Gillispie, a 2007 Hockinson High School graduate, was hired at age 22 by former Camas AD Terry Cavender prior to the 2011-2012 season.
Gillispie also wanted to thank the other coaches in the region who helped mentor him.
“Clark County is full of great coaches,” he said. “I was lucky to be around them. They helped me so much.”
Gillispie led the Papermakers to the state round of 16 in 2014-15 with a 17-7 record, the Papermakers’ first state berth since 1964.
Camas was 12-10 last season, reaching the bi-district tournament.
Gillispie will join that staff of head coach Tony Dominguez at Western Washington, where former Papermaker Trevor Jasinsky was a redshirt freshman last season.
