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Temple College men's basketball coach to retire after next season

Kirby Johnson has been at the helm for the Leopards for 32 seasons, collecting 800 career wins along the way.

TEMPLE, Texas — As the KCEN Sports department gears up for the NCAA Tournament starting Thursday, an area junior college is reflecting on a milestone. 

Temple College men's basketball coach Kirby Johnson ended the regular season with a bang, winning his 800th career game as a head coach across the high school and junior college levels. 

"That's, that's a lot of wins, yeah," Johnson said. "I just tell people that means I have lots of gray hair, yeah." 

Like any good coach, Johnson credits his players for his success.

"I tell the guys, 'hey look, I've never scored a point in any of those 800 victories," he said. "You know, you have to have good players."

Win number 800 against Hill College came after a confusing loss for Johnson's Leopards against Southwestern Christian in Terrell, Texas.

However, he said it was fitting that his 800th victory as a head coach came in the building he's called home for the past 32 seasons. 

"One of the things, after the game, our media guys, Steve Lemons, was able to get a picture of my wife coming over and hugging me," he said.

That picture now sits on his desk, acting as a reminder to embrace the moments that matter most. His office is filled with mementos of the milestones the Leopards have hit in his career.

A career nearing its final buzzer. 

"I've been coaching for 42 years, and have never seen the leaves turn red and orange, so when I retire, that's what i'm going to do, is go see the leaves turn," he said. "Next year will be my last year."

Johnson said his work isn't done; he is still going to do everything he can to help every one of his players get to a four-year university to play basketball. 

For now, his focus is on the coming season. 

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