Kim Rivers walks off the court at Comcast Center last month after Randallstown defeated Wicomico in a Class 2A state boys' basketball semifinal game. It was the last victory for Rivers, who resigned Monday to take the coaching position at Shiloh near Atlanta.
Kim Rivers, who built Randallstown High into a perennial state boys' basketball power, is stepping down after 14 seasons to take the head coaching position at Shiloh High in Georgia.
"It was a rough situation for me," Rivers said Monday afternoon. "After spending 14 seasons here and building a dynamic program and knowing how much I love the kids and community, it was tough. After visiting Atlanta, I fell in love with it, my wife loves it. Shiloh High School is a great place to build a program. It's kind of the same situation as when I first got to Randallstown."
Rivers said he finalized a contract with the Atlanta-area school last Thursday. He'll also serve as assistant athletic director and supervise the school's in-house suspension.
"Me and my wife had been talking about going to Georgia for awhile and we saw a position online," said Rivers. "They [Shiloh] were very excited that I was interested in coming. They basically threw out the red carpet, and gave me an offer I really couldn't refuse."
Rivers said he formally interviewed for the Shiloh job after the state Final Four. He was reportedly one of about 50 applicants for the position. Rivers is replacing Don Einolf, who stepped down after three seasons and two Class 5A playoff appearances. Shiloh went 9-16 this past season.
Rivers said he met with this past season's Randallstown team Monday morning to notify them of his decision. Rivers guided the Baltimore County school to five state championships during his tenure including three straight from 2005-2007. The Rams lost to Winters Mill in the Class 2A state title game at Comcast Center last month.
"It was bittersweet," said Rivers, who went 314-50 at the Offutt Road school. "Kids were kind of shock...they mean a lot to me. Of course, there are some who don't want me to leave, but times change, you have to move on and you have to try to do what's best for you and your family."
"Kim's biggest challenge was setting the bar high from day one," said Randallstown athletic director Mike Gelman. "He had some challenging kids along the way, it wasn't like he was getting Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen. He's been able to develop a bond and trust and make it a positive situation for the kids."
A former NAIA All-American at William Jewell College in Missouri who later played three years professionally in Australia, Rivers came to Randallstown in 1994, replacing Reggie Brooks. The Rams won the Class 3A championship in Rivers' first season. It was the first of 10 state Final Four trips under Rivers, who also won seven Baltimore County titles.
Rivers said that first Randallstown team "was on a mission" as a steal by Troy Lewis in the final seconds won the title over Broadneck. Rivers has helped guide several players to the collegiate level including Johnny Higgins (Duquesne), Demon Brown (Charlotte), Levi Stukes (Georgia) and Kimmie English (Missouri).
"When I came in, I was still dunking the ball, having a good time and practicing with the guys," said Rivers, who plans to assist in the search for his successor. "It's a sad farewell for me, but at the same time, speaking to those kids playing on the collegiate level, they're excited for me. We have some nice pieces coming back, and I want to see that Randallstown is still kicking hard."