Red Mountain's administrationd decided to fire boys basketball coach Greg Sessions, Sessions said on Friday after 14 years as the school's boys hoops coach. Sessions is the sixth boys basktball coach in the East Valley to resign or be fired in the last two weeks.

"There are no phrases involved here that are sometimes used when a coach leaves," Sessions said. "Not in this case. I did not sign a letter of resignation. I was fired. Dismissed. I'm no longer the basketball coach at Red Mountain."

Sessions began coaching at Red Mountain in the 1999-2000 season after leaving as head girls coach at Mountain View where he guided the Lady Toros to a title in the 1997-98 season.. Over the last decade Red Mountain posted a record of 149-116 under Sessions and qualified for the state tournament 8 of 14 years. Red Mountain was 18-14 this season and bowed out of the playoffs Thursday night, losing to Mountain Pointe.

Red Mountain athletic director Jim Gowdy wrote via e-mail to the East Valley Tribune the rationale for parting ways with Sessions.

"Red Mountain High School is a professional learning community committed to high expectations," Gowdy said. "This applies to our students, faculty, and, not least of all, our athletic programs.

"After much reflection, we have decided to not renew Mr. Sessions' coaching contract next school year. We appreciate Mr. Sessions' contributions to our school community, both in the classroom and on the basketball court. We look forward to continue developing a competitive basketball program built on a solid foundation from Mr. Sessions'  prior efforts."

Sessions said he was shocked when told he was out as coach. For the immediate future Sessions plans on watching, son Andy, currently a junior at Red Mountain, play. He also has another son ready to attend high school. For now, he favors the idea of sitting back and enjoying the role of spectator.