By Tommy Wells
sports@mineralwellsindex.com
The Mineral Wells Lady Rams were a team of surprises this past season.
Big surprises.
Last week, the Lady Rams surprised everyone by ending a 14-year basketball playoff drought by finishing third in the District 6-4A race. Mineral Wells advanced to the bi-district round last Monday, marking the first time since 1994 the MWHS girls' basketball program had enjoyed a postseason run.
The biggest surprise of all came just three days after the end of the season when head coach Michael Oldham announced he was stepping down, effective the end of the school year, to enter private business.
Oldham tendered his resignation on Thursday, saying he planned to return to Oklahoma and open a fast-food restaurant near his hometown.
"I've had a great time here," he said. "With the things this team has done, I would think they will be able to compete next year, and for years to come."
Oldham spearheaded the Lady Rams' postseason run this year. He guided Mineral Wells to a 13-15 record in the regular season, and to a tie for third in the final district standings.
Oldham indicated he would be relocate to Chickasha, Okla., and open a Chicken Express franchise in the southwestern Oklahoma city of 16,000.
"It's a little closer to my family, and I think it will be a good move for me," he said. "I really enjoyed my time here, but this is something I would like to try."
Oldham grew up in Oklahoma, graduating from Southwestern Oklahoma State University before becoming a teacher/coach.
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Michael Oldham has resigned as the Lady Rams' head coach to enter private business. Tommy Wells
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Oldham steps down as Lady Rams' coach
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