'Timing felt right': Peoria High girls basketball coach steps down
The 1995 Peoria High grad steps down after 18 seasons with 310 wins and a program-best Class 3A state third-place finish in 2023.
The Meechie Edwards era has ended. The Peoria High girls basketball head coach confirmed that he's stepped down following an incredible 19-year run. Edwards won 310 games in his tenure with 14 winning seasons and six times posted 20-plus win campaigns.
He's been a staple on the Peoria High sidelines for 28 seasons, coaching on the boys side for nine years before taking over the girls program prior to the 2007-08 season. His 2023 team had the highest finish in program history, taking home the Class 3A state third-place trophy. "Just being honest, I think I just held on just a little bit too long," Edwards told the Journal Star.
"I had a plan, but it was just that time. Time to hit a pause button a little bit. See what else is going on.
"Nothing big or anything of that nature. It's just more or less, the timing felt right this time. " And the 1995 Peoria High grad's reasons weren't family related either.