Athletic director chooses Hartnell assistant as head men’s hoops
coach
GILROY – Michael Baumgartner is staying at Gilroy High.
The Mustangs head boys basketball coach was passed up Friday by Gavilan College for its vacant men’s hoops coach position.
“I’m still happy at Gilroy High School. This was just an opportunity,” said Baumgartner, who will remain the Mustangs’ coach next season. “I was disappointed because I’ve been around long enough, I’m a home-grown guy and I know how Gavilan works.”
According to Baumgartner, he spoke with Gavilan Athletic Director Roin Hannon at length on Friday and was told he was one of two finalists for the position. But Hannon decided to go with Chris Shoemaker, a four-year assistant for the Hartnell College men’s basketball team.
“Chris is very well respected by other coaches in the conference. He was ready to be a head coach at this level,” Hannon said. “What Chris brings to the table is one experience at this level. His experience in the Coast Conference was definitely a major factor in my decision.
“He knows what it takes to be competitive in this conference,” Hannon added.
While Hannon has made his decision, the Gavilan Board of Trustees must make a final approval at its May 7 meeting.
“I don’t anticipate any problems,” said Hannon of the Board approving his choice. “When it came down to it, we wanted somebody who has been in the conference, been at this level… Mike (Baumgartner) is a good coach. It was not an easy decision to make.”
Schoemaker – who grew up in Santa Cruz County and played collegiately at DeAnza College – worked and learned under Hartnell College head men’s basketball coach Frank Carbajal for the last four seasons.
“I’m really excited about the things he brings to the table,” said Hannon of Schoemaker. “Chris’s knowledge of the game on both sides, offense and defense, is something he’ll be able to bring here and implement.”
