The Dodge City High School Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Shane Traughber as the new Head Basketball coach of the Red Demons, pending Board of Education approval at the next scheduled meeting. 

After an extensive search and interview process, Shane Traughber has been chosen to lead the DCHS Red Demon Basketball program. Traughber has been the head basketball coach at Stanton County for the past three years, compiling a record of 42-24. Traughber will teach in the Physical Education department at DCHS. 

Coach Traughber is a graduate of Sterling College. He was an assistant coach in Russell and Smith Center before taking over the program at Stanton County. In his first year with the Trojans, Traughber led his team to the 2A State Tournament for the first time in 18 years. His sophomore campaign ended in the sub-state finals to eventual state champion, Ness City. 

Shane is married to Joy Traughber, an elementary teacher who will also be teaching in the district. Coach Traughber plans to arrive in Dodge City in time to conduct team camp and work with players throughout the summer. 

“I am extremely excited and honored to have this opportunity. I can’t wait to begin meeting with players and hosting team camp. My wife and I look forward to being a part of the Dodge City community. My vision for Red Demon basketball is for our team to play with energy, joy, and excellence while working to become the best young men (on and off the court) that we can be. ” – Coach Shane Traughber 

“We believe Shane is going to be an outstanding fit for the Red Demon Basketball program. Coach Traughber believes team culture is the most important aspect of building a successful program and we believe Shane understands the vision of the DCHS Athletic Department – to intentionally develop character in all of our student athletes. He is fully committed to making a difference at Dodge High, both on and off the court. Coach Traughber has demonstrated he can successfully implement his system and develop players to compete at a high level. We are very pleased to welcome Coach Traughber and his wife to the Dodge City community.”
– Jay Gifford, DCHS Athletic Director

For just the second time is the past 33 years, Dodge City High School is looking for a new head boys’ basketball coach. DCHS Head Basketball Coach, Tony Starnes, has resigned from his position as the head boys’ basketball coach. Coach Starnes led the
Red Demon basketball program for the past three years, compiling an overall record of (25-38). 

The search for a new Head Coach will begin immediately with the expectation of finding a replacement by the end of April. The DCHS Athletic Department will place a priority on hiring a certified teacher who has the necessary expertise and experience to lead the Red Demon basketball program. 

Dodge City High School appreciates the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to the program and the student-athletes of Dodge City High School demonstrated by Coach Starnes during his tenure as the leader of the Red Demon basketball program. 

“The DCHS Athletic Department is very appreciative of Coach Starnes’ willingness to lead the Red Demon basketball program for the past three seasons. Coach Starnes brought an enthusiasm to the position that allowed the student-athletes in our basketball program to better understand what it takes to compete at a high level. We look forward to watching our current and future players apply these principles to achieve even greater degrees of success in the very near future.” – Jay Gifford, DCHS Athletic Director