Savage Takes Over Rebuilding Job At Sand Springs

Eric Savage led Tulsa Memorial to three state titles in 12 seasons as head coach of the boy's basketball team, including the Class 5A championship this past season.

But now he's taking over a Sand Springs team that went 1-23 last year and hasn't posted a winning season since 2000.

And he's doing it because this basketball coach is putting his family first.

"We live less than a mile from (Sand Springs High School), our kids to go school here, so we thought it was a great opportunity for our family," Savage said. "Obviously, from the outside looking in returning what we have and the tradition at Memorial, it's definitely hard to walk away from that tradition, but I'm hoping we can build a new tradition here in Sand Springs."

Savage is certainly capable of turning things around given his track record, and Sand Springs Athletic Director Ed Garrett is happy to have him on board.

"We're excited about hiring coach Savage," Garrett said. "Someone with his credentials, and what he does, and how he does it on the court is something. We're just excited to have him."

Garrett said he wants people to understand Sand Springs takes its sports seriously. Hiring a three-time state champ should help prove that and it should benefit the Sandites move forward.

Savage said he knows there is a lot to do and he's ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work.

"I think you do need to keep yourself challenged as a professional, and that's the way I am approaching this," he said. " Obviously, everybody likes to win, so I plan on doing that here."