Vaught tabbed new Alma boys basketball coach

By Kevin Taylor

Alma Schools 

ALMA — The Alma School Board named Cody Vaught as the new head boys basketball coach Wednesday night. 

Vaught replaces the recently departed Dominic Lincoln, who compiled a 55-62 record during his four seasons with the Airedales. Vaught is the fifth coach of the Alma boys' basketball team since 1975 and just the sixth since 1969. 

“We hired a great basketball coach and an even better man,” Alma athletic director Jerrod Burns said. “This guy has won at every place he’s been. He’s been at every classification. This is the next step up. I’m excited to have him.”

Vaught is coming off a four-year run at Ozark Catholic, where the Griffins boasted a 134-36 record, including a 71-14 mark over the past two seasons. 

In addition to coaching at Ozark Catholic (2018-25), the 2002 Clarksville grad coached at West Fork, Hector, and Ozark. His overall record is 295-108.

The Airedales won 41 games over the past two seasons, including a 21-10 march to the 5A-West title in 2023-24. In four seasons, Lincoln posted a 55-62 record, including 41-20 in his last 61 games.

“Right now, you’ve got team camp stuff coming up, so this is the perfect time for me to hire someone,” Burns said. “They’re fixing to hit the ground running.”

“It’s going to be a challenge,” Vaught said. (But) I’m excited about it. Like anybody, I did my homework. I know how tough the 5A-West is. I’m pumped up to be somewhere where sports are very important. I’m excited to get to coach on the same floor as Stan Flenor and walk the same hallways as Frank Vines.”