‘Like father, like son’

The Hice family sits atop the Gilmer High School basketball coaching record book. 

Last Friday marked an historic night for the boys basketball program when Jordan Hice earned his 167th win as the Bobcats’ head coach. The victory gave him one more than dad Gene Hice, who coached the Bobcats from the 1974-75 through 1987-88 seasons.

For Jordan, his coaching career sprouted from humble beginnings.

“This record is something I never thought of,” Jordan said last Friday. “I started out as a lay coach and went into assistant coaching, then to the middle school and got into the high school. That was a big conversation I had with my dad, and asked what he thought I should do. He said he thought it was a good opportunity and if I don’t try, I’ll never know.

“Over the years, he’s always helped me out and we talk a lot of basketball. That’s always been a fun aspect, and carrying on the tradition that he started. You’re looking at almost 30 years of coaching between two people.”

It was only natural Jordan followed in Gene’s footsteps, and it appeared destined from the start.

“A few years ago, he showed me a piece of paper from when I was in first grade or something where you say what you want to do when you get older,” Jordan said. “Mine said, ‘I want to grow up and be a teacher and basketball coach like my dad.’”

Gene was the Bobcats’ head coach for 14 seasons. Jordan is in the middle of his 13th season as head coach, and GHS has enjoyed back-to-back state tournament appearances. Jordan has led the Bobcats to the postseason four times, which is a program best. Jordan also holds the record for wins in a season at 24.

“He’s had to learn along the way. I’ve given him advice, but he rarely takes it,” said a beaming Gene after Jordan’s big win. “This is all him, and I’m very proud of him like any dad would be. It may be my record, but I never gave it much thought. I’m just very, very proud of him.”