By Lisa Parent

Longtime Medicine Hat High School basketball coach Chad Watson steps down

Apr 1, 2024 | 5:16 PM

As the high school basketball season wraps up, players and coaches look forward to a summer break to recharge.

However, for Chad Watson, who has led the senior boys team at Medicine Hat High School for 17 years, this marks a bigger change. He’s stepping down as head coach after this season.

“I’d say he’s the best coach I’ve ever had,” Hat High basketball player Arinze Aniagu told CHAT News.

“He’s worked hard these past few years, so it’s always good to see him get that recognition he deserves.”

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Aniagu added that coach Watson allowed him to play with more confidence and believe in himself.

This strong coaching was also noticed by Watson’s peers, as they voted for him to recieve the 4A Varsity coach of the year award, marking the fifth time he has received it.

“I don’t even have to talk about myself because honestly with an award like this, it doesn’t really belong just to the head coach,” Watson said.

“Without good players, you’re never going to win an award like this. Our administration team, our fans, I mean, everyone played a huge role into this.”

Watson will be assistant coach next year and plans to still stay involved in basketball.

Jeff Harrold will be taking over as head coach of the senior boys next year.