Shane Sisco has enough memories to write a book from his time as head boys’ basketball coach at Union City High School.
At 56 years old now, he’s planning on turning the page to the next chapter of his professional life.
School Communications Director Mike Hutchens said the all-time winningest coach in Tornado hoop history is retiring from that post and plans to see “what else is out there.”
“I’m so blessed to have had this opportunity to be the head basketball coach at Union City High School and am super excited about what could be next for me and my family,” Sisco said, confirming his intentions.
“Like everyone, I’ve had some lifetime dreams that could come to fruition. We’ll just have to see what transpires.”
Sisco, who followed in the footsteps of his legendary father, Marty, who piloted Union City to three state titles in 10 years on the Tornado bench, directed the Tornadoes to Class 1A state championships in 2006 and 2008. His 2015 team recorded a state runner-up finish.
Shane’s high school squads won 20 games or more in 20 of his 26 seasons – three times winning 30 or more, including a perfect 37-0 run on the way to the 2006 title.
The Purple and Gold won 11 district tournament championships during his tenure and advanced to the substate/sectional 11 times, including in four of the past six seasons.
Sisco’s 592 wins on the Twister bench are more than 300 more than the No. 2 person on the all-time program list. He has accumulated well over 600 career victories, including his four years at Gleason before being hired at Union City prior to the 1999-2000 campaign.
“I’m greatly appreciative of Mr. (Gary) Houston and Mr. (Jim) Towater for taking a chance on a 30-year-old coach when they did,” Shane continued. “And, I’m extremely grateful to (current UC Director of Schools) Mr. (Wes) Kennedy for his continued support throughout his tenure as a principal and as superintendent.
“It’s been a great ride, and we’ve had a ton of success here and made a tremendous amount of memories. It’s all been because of the players, their commitment, and their work ethic. Some of my best memories have been seeing the excitement on kids’ faces after their hard work comes to fruition.
“Of course, the efforts and the loyalty of our staff have been a big part of what we’ve achieved. Having Dad, Ronald (Ward), Antawn (Coby), and Andre (Coby) all together over the last few years has been invaluable. When you have people surrounding you with head coaching experience on some level and for them to have different strengths as communicators, it makes success so much easier to come by.”
A 1988 graduate at Union City, Sisco earned a B.S. Degree from UT Martin, where he was a member of the basketball team. Before getting his first high school job at Gleason, he served as a graduate assistant on Wade Houston’s staff at the University of Tennessee from 1992-93.
Director of Schools Wes Kennedy acknowledged Sisco’s contributions to the program and spoke highly of his dedication to his job.
“I know of no one who has the passion for the game of basketball that Coach Sisco has,” Kennedy said. “His knowledge, tireless work ethic, and dedication are unmatched and have survived the test of time.
“It isn’t very often that someone gets to leave a long tenure under their own terms. While we’re proud of what he’s accomplished here at Union City High School, we’re also happy that Shane will be able to explore new opportunities in his professional life and be able to spend additional time with his family.”
Kennedy said the search for a new Tornado head coach would begin immediately, but expects the process to take several weeks.
