Grimsley Athletic Department Press Release
Grimsley High School would like to announce the departure of Coach Darren Corbett and Coach Jason Simmons. Coach Corbett and Simmons have lead the Whirlies to many successful opportunities both on and off the court/field. Coach Corbett will become an assistant basketball coach at NC A&T and Coach Simmons will remain on the Whirlie staff both as a teacher and valued member of the athletic department. Grimsley High School and the Athletic Department would like to congratulate both coaches on their success and wish them well with their new opportunities.
Coach Corbett has been a tremendous asset not only to our program but to the Grimsley community as well and we are excited to follow his future accomplishments at NC A&T. Below is a sample of Coach Corbett’s perspective on leaving the Whirlies and we could not be more happy for him and his family. Regardless of his experience at Page, we will always consider him a Whirlie for life.
“It has been an honor to serve as Head Basketball Coach at Grimsley High School for the past 10 years. I feel comfortable leaving because I know that we’ve made Grimsley basketball respectable in the community and in the state. Grimsley has truly been a special place for me, and I’m proud to have been a part of the Whirlie family. ”
Here are a few of Coach Corbett’s accomplishments while at Grimsley:
* Seven NCHSAA 4-A Playoff Appearances (2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
** Two-Time Regular-Season Conference Champions (2004, 2008)
*** Four-Time NCHSAA 4-A Sectional Finalists (2004,2005, 2008, 2011)
**** Sectional Champions / Regional Semifinalists (2004)First appearance for the school since 1985
***** Pizza Hut Little Four Invitational Champions (2010) First title for school since 1997
****** Two years ended regular season ranked in the Ten 10 in the state 4-A polls (2004, 2008)
******** Metro 4-A Conference Coach of the Year (2004, 2008)
********* Greensboro News & Record Coach of the Year (2004)
Coach Simmons’s impact on Grimsley baseball is paramount to our future success. His tireless efforts to raise the expectations, improve the program and facility can’t be measured. His impact on the team and facility will be rewarded for many years to come for our future student athletes. Grimsley baseball has grown under Coach Simmons and the impact of his leadership will be evident for many years to come. We are excited that he will remain an important member of the athletic program and Physical Education Department as he explores his future opportunities in life, leadership and family. He is truly a huge part of the overall success with our athletic program and we are excited for him and his new role in our Athletic Department.
******From Andy Durnam at GreensboroSports.com….*****
I have known Coach Corbett for several years and have the utmost respect for the work he has done with the men’s basketball program at Grimsley…This is a huge move forward for him…He will be working with legendary MEAC coach Cy Alexander, that will be an honor within itself…I consider Coach Corbett a good friend and wish him only the best in his future endeavors and I know he will succeed…..His dad Don Corbett battled Cy Alexander for many years when Don Corbett was the head coach at A&T and Cy Alexander was at South Carolina State….Maybe Coach Darren Corbett will be the head coach at A&T one day…That would be great…
I have not gotten to know Coach Simmons as well over the years, but we do know he is a very hard worker and he will do well in his new role in the Grimsley Whirlies’ Athletic Department….
The baseball team was riddled with injuries this year to key players. Not only DJ but others as well. Coach Simmons is a very good coach and an even better person. The Whirlie Nation sends out nothing but love and appreciation to both of these fine coaches that will be persuing other challenges next year.