Cold Springs has hired Adam McKinnon to be its new varsity boys basketball coach. 

Principal Eric Dickerson confirmed the move of McKinnon to the position, which had previously been vacated by the departure of Cade Willingham, who returned to his alma mater of Plainview in May after one season leading the Eagles. 

“We are excited to have someone like Adam who is available and able to step into this role for us,” Dickerson said. “Adam has been a part of Cold Springs basketball for quite some time and provides a great understanding of what the position entails. As a coach, he not only provides the knowledge from years of experience, but his demeanor is one that can build relationships while establishing a culture that is instrumental to long-term success.” 

McKinnon has previously spent time as the school’s junior varsity boys coach and was a varsity assistant under former coach Tim Willoughby for a number of successful seasons. 

“I am incredibly honored by this opportunity,” McKinnon said. “My family and I are very excited about being a part of the program again. I enjoy coaching — and there is just something special about the relationships that can be built through sports. I have had a lot of people reach out to show support to me since I took the job, but the former players I have coached really meant a lot. They talked about being excited for me and being eager to come support the program. That is really special to me.” 

McKinnon also guided the Eagles through summer play, and thankfully, was able to build a solid foundation.

“My message to the players was to simply focus on things you can control,” he said. “Your effort, attitude and how you respond are things that you control — let’s focus on those. We never played at full strength due to some injuries and other circumstances, but I thought the guys had a great competitive nature about them. I think in the program, there are only three or four guys who don’t play football. I feel a lot of the guys bring that mindset to the basketball court; they are just tough players. I love that about them.”