Jordan resigns at Goldsboro

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on July 10, 2007 1:48 PM

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Randy Jordan's cell phone chirped.

He glanced at the number and flipped it open.

"Hello?"

A smile creases his lips and his eyes twinkle when Jordan hears the caller's voice. Once the brief conversation ends, he clips the cell phone back onto his belt.

Another chirp pierces the silent air of Jordan's near-empty office.

"Excuse me," he said.

Jordan answers and the two exchange pleasantries. He asks if he may return the call later Monday afternoon and the caller easily agrees to Jordan's request. They share a quick laugh and hang up.

The phone calls and knocks on Jordan's door have become frequent since he stepped down as the varsity men's basketball coach and athletics director at Goldsboro High. Jordan submitted his resignation to Dean Sauls, the Wayne County athletics director, late Monday afternoon.

"It was a really difficult decision," said Jordan. "I will miss the student-athletes at Goldsboro. They're outstanding, great young people and I've enjoyed every minute of working with them. It was an offer just too good to pass up."

Jordan has signed a contract with Cary Academy, a Class 3-A program sanctioned by the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association. He'll serve as the varsity boys basketball coach and will oversee 45 teams -- 21 varsity and 24 junior varsity -- as athletics director.

The Chargers have emerged a perennial state-title contender in boys' soccer, and are gaining respect in other sports. Jordan said two girls signed Division I basketball scholarships this past spring, but added he has to hire a new coach.

The school's athletic facilities have been upgraded. Four new practice fields, along with a fieldhouse, are currently under construction.

"Their facilities are second to none," said Jordan. "They have two gyms and are finishing a fabulous softball facility. It's an opportunity for me to be in on the ground floor of something that's growing."

Jordan departs as one of Goldsboro High's most-successful coaches. He guided the Cougars to 96 victories, the 2006 Eastern Plains 2-A Conference regular-season title and five postseason appearances in six seasons. His 2003 team lost to West Forsyth in the state finals.

Goldsboro posted a 15-12 campaign this past winter and advanced to the sectional semifinals. Five players are expected to return off that team, including part-time starters Tim Hobbs, Tavon Murchison and Kevonta McDuffie. Jordan said rising senior Aric Sinclair will "surprise quite a few people" this year.

"I'm sure whoever Ms. (Patricia) Burden decides to bring in will do an outstanding job," said Jordan. "There is some very good talent coming back and I think the basketball program is in good shape."

Jordan played an instrumental role in revitalizing Goldsboro's athletics program overall. He added cross country, indoor track and men's golf; and re-started the softball and tennis programs.

"Ms. Burden has been tremendously supportive of athletics and done everything she could to help us be in a better position," said Jordan. "There has been talk of trying to bring back men's soccer and tennis. I am pleased with where things are right now."

Jordan's desk phone rings.

The caller reminds him to bring the paperwork to the front office before he goes to lunch. Jordan grabs his keys, flips the light switch and darkness settles over the office.

Jordan sighs as he walks out the door.

"I have enjoyed being at Goldsboro," he said. "We've had some great student-athletes come through here, not just because of their talent but because of who they were and the people they've become.

"The thing that saddens me right now is the timing because I can't meet with all the returning players to tell them that I'm leaving and why. I just hope they understand it's a career decision and I wish nothing but the best for them."

The door closes behind him.

The phone chirps again.

"Hello?"

Jordan steps out of the air-conditioned building and crosses the steamy parking lot to the office. His voice fades as he answers the caller's question.

"Yeah, it's true ... an offer too good to pass up."