Mark Starns has been named the new head coach for the Apollo High School boys’ basketball team. He held a virtual introductory meeting with players and families Wednesday afternoon.
“First and foremost, I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to be the next head coach at Apollo,” Starns said. “I’m looking forward to working together with all involved in putting Apollo back at the top of the 3rd Region where they belong.”
Starns added that his 30-plus years of basketball experience, leadership style and organizational skills will take the Eagles’ game to the next level.
“We will have a relentless style of play that is exciting to watch,” he said. “I’ll bring to the Apollo community a brand of basketball that will create enthusiasm and excitement around the program.”
Apollo athletic director Dan Crume said Starns has a long list of accomplishments that made him a great candidate.
“Coach Starns has an excellent record of program-building and success in Kentucky high school basketball,” Crume said. “He has won regional championships in multiple regions throughout the state. We are excited to see him build upon the proud tradition of Apollo basketball and welcome him to our school family.”
In introducing Starns to the players and families, AHS assistant principal Kyle Brown said the school feels they have found the right person to lead the program after an extensive search.
“We have found an individual that believes in character, integrity and good old-fashioned hard work,” Brown said. “He comes with an extensive knowledge of the game and has learned from some of the best in the world.”
Starns takes over for former Apollo coach Steve Barker, who finished with a 73-104 record over six years — though the Eagles won just eight games combined over the last two seasons.
Starns said players, families and fans can expect a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
“I envision a highly competitive program at Apollo High School,” he said. “Our goal will be to get to Rupp Arena.”
MARK STARNS’ BIO
For the past six years, Starns has served as a coach/assistant athletic director at Union County High School.
His administrative experience also includes serving as scout and video coordinator for the Boston Celtics from 1997-2001.
Before his time at Union County, Starns served as head coach at Fleming County High School, where he compiled a two-year record of 52-17 — including two district championships, two 16th Region championships and two appearances in the KHSAA Sweet 16. In 2014, Starns was named the EKC Co-Coach of the Year.
Prior to that, Starns spent five seasons as head coach at Henderson County High School — compiling a 99-45 record there. He led the Colonels to four district championships and two appearances in the 2nd Region championship, and he was also the KABC 2nd Region Coach of the year in 2008.
Before his tenure at Henderson County, Starns spent two seasons at Johnson Central High School, guiding the Golden Eagles to a 15th Region championship and a KHSAA Sweet 16 appearance in 2005.
Starns also spent two seasons as head coach at Burgin High School and he has served as an assistant coach at Mason County (four years), Bourbon County (five years), Ballard Memorial (one year) and Lexington Catholic (three years).
