Danny Gray takes over again as HCHS Athletic Director

The old saying ‘You can’t keep a good man down’ is about as fitting as it gets when you talk about Hancock County High School teacher and coach Danny Gray.

Gray, 49, recently took over as the school’s athletic director for the third time during his tenure at HCHS. He first became A.D. in 2005 and held that post until 2010. He took a few years off before accepting the job for the second time, then finally for the third time just recently. Gray takes over for Wes Meserve, who held the post the past year.

Gray says “not much has changed” except that the job of athletic director has become more and more of a collaborative effort.

Danny stays busy. He has taught US History and Government for 24 years at HCHS and was boys head basketball coach in the early 2000’s. He’s stayed involved with Hancock County sports throughout his career and is currently the assistant coach for the Lady Hornets basketball team.

Mr. Gray is always friendly and talkative, but he often prefers to shine the light on others rather than himself.

“People don’t realize how much Anna Toler does,” Gray said about his assistant athletic director. “She pretty much runs the show. I still teach a full load so anything that comes into that office during the day she takes care of it. It would be impossible to do it without her at the level it has to be done today.”

Gray lauded the entire staff, including bookkeeper Vanessa Payne.

“We all work together as a team,” Danny said.

Former A.D. Jeff Kessans is another person Gray relies on.

“Kessans is still very much involved. Any idea we have we bounce it off of each other.”

One exciting piece of news is the addition of Tell City to the football schedule beginning next season.

“I’m excited and it’s going to be a lot of fun. I think it’s very important for both communities and this will be a huge game for both programs,” Gray said. “We’ve been trying to get this done for a long time and this time it’s done.”

The contract with Tell City is for home/away games over the next four years, but Gray says it will last longer.

There is also interest in renewing a series with Perry Central, but that will be more difficult.

“The problem is that they (Commodores) have so many conference games. They play in the Big-8 Conference, or whatever they call it over there, and it’s a lot bigger than our district,” Gray said.

Mr. Gray went on to talk about other administrators who contribute.

“Mr. Asberry has been great to work with and Ginger (Estes) and I have been close ever since she’s been here. We have a great line of communication. Josh Scherrer, our new assistant principle, has bought into Hancock as fast as anybody I’ve ever seen. He has his (Hornet) hats and pullovers and he became a Hornet immediately. That goes a long way in a small community like ours,” Gray said.

“I’m excited about this job again and I like working with everyone and talking Hancock County sports. Athletic director is a full time job and your family has to buy in, too. My wife Kelly does and my sons (Jaxson and Max) are 22 and 18 now so there’s more time for it,” Gray said.

Danny has been dealing with some health issues and he says coaching the Lady Hornets has been helpful.

“Kevin (Husk) played for me when I coached the boys so we built that relationship  then.

“I enjoy being with the team. The girls really helped me get through the rough times during this past year. Those 13-14 girls are a big part of my life. They put a smile on my face during days when it was hard to smile. It’s a lot of fun coaching them.”

By Steve Wimmer