When people find out that football coach John Myers has been named principal of Russellville High School, one of the first questions they have is, “Will he still be coach?”

The answer to that question is “yes.”

Myers said he will be principal and football coach for RHS and he is grateful for the opportunity to serve in both roles.

“I didn't want to stop coaching,” Myers said.

Myers said having served for four years as assistant principal and coach will make the transition easier. He also served as interim principal two years ago when the school was without a principal.

Myers said when he was in high school he was always involved in athletics and looked up to the coaches. He knew then that he wanted to be a teacher and coach.

Myers graduated from Campbellsville University, received his Rank II at Murray State and his Rank I and Masters of Administration at Western Kentucky University.

Before coming to Russellville, Myers taught eighth grade U.S. history in Hancock County and then in Mayfield. He then taught economics and government in Monroe County. When he went into education, Myers did not plan go into administration, but as he became more involved in schools he decided that was the path he wanted to follow.

As a teacher, coach and administrator, Myers enjoys working with and helping the students.

“The students are what keep you going,” he said. “They're what you're in this business for.”

Myers said he is looking forward to serving as principal and believes the school is going in the right direction.

“I feel like we have made some outstanding strides in the last few years in test scores and academic offerings,” Myers said. “I think that sends a message that the Russellville schools are here to stay.

“Russellville has an outstanding tradition of excellence in academics and athletics. We want to continue that tradition.”

As Myers takes the reins at RHS the school is in the process of building and growing. A new wing to house seventh and eighth grade students is under construction and should be done in time for those students to move to the RHS campus in the middle of the school year.

Myers said he believes the changes are for the best and are coming at a good time. As the schools have to deal with budget issues, restructuring the schools makes sense and will save money.

Myer's wife, Jennifer, is also in education. She is a fourth-grade teacher at Stevenson Elementary. They have two children - Elly who is 7 and John Carter who is 5.

“I want to say thank you to the Russellville High School community,” Myers said. “They have been overwhelmingly supportive of me through this process of becoming principal and as a coach.”