WATERLOO - Columbus High didn't have to look far to find a new head girls' basketball coach.

Mike Lyons, who spent 14 years as a varsity assistant and head sophomore coach at Waterloo West before taking over the Janesville High varsity program last season, will succeed Mark Sinnwell, who resigned to spend more time with his family.

"I had a great experience at Janesville, and I leave that with a heavy heart," said Lyons, who is a teacher at West. "As coaches and players - and I think other people would say the same thing - we feel like we turned that program around and gave it some direction. It was a very good experience there."

The chance to take over a larger program with more players at Columbus was too good an opportunity for Lyons to pass up.

"It's close to home for me, and they have a good reputation with the program they've had in the past," noted Lyons, who can build around a strong nucleus of returning Sailor veterans in Lauren Friedman, Michelle Schupbach, Savannah Hayes and Jessica Klieman. "I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Columbus athletic director Aundra Meeks believes the Sailors found an ideal replacement for Sinnwell.

"We are very happy to have somebody with his experience and a vision for Columbus girls' basketball that will benefit us through the years," said Meeks. "Mike has a strong interest in building our program at the younger levels, as well.

"Mark Sinnwell did a great job for us over the years, but Mike will continue with many of those same philosophies.

"We are happy to have him join the Columbus family."

Contact Doug Newhoff at (319) 291-1467 or doug.newhoff@wcfcourier.com