Newark girls basketball coach takes Watkins Memorial job

Jack Purtell leaves Newark after leading team to district title win

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:13am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a high school girls basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in deep blue, green, and red tones.The departure of a successful high school basketball coach to a rival program sparks a complex mix of emotions and anticipation within the local community.Newark Today

Newark girls basketball coach Jack Purtell is leaving his position to take the head coaching job at Watkins Memorial High School, pending school board approval. Purtell led the Newark girls team to a come-from-behind victory over Lancaster in the Division I district championship game this past season.

Why it matters

Purtell's departure is a significant loss for the Newark girls basketball program, which he has led for the past several seasons. The team's district title win was an emotional high point, and his move to a rival school district will be closely watched by local fans and the community.

The details

Purtell has accepted the head coaching position for the girls basketball team at Watkins Memorial High School, pending approval from the school board. He led the Newark girls to a dramatic comeback victory over Lancaster in the Division I district championship game this past season, where the team trailed by 7 points in the 4th quarter before rallying for a 40-34 win.

  • The Newark girls won the Division I district championship game on March 4, 2026.
  • Purtell is leaving Newark to take the Watkins Memorial job in the 2026-2027 school year.

The players

Jack Purtell

The outgoing head coach of the Newark girls basketball team, who is departing to take the same position at Watkins Memorial High School.

Newark High School

The school where Purtell has been the head coach of the girls basketball team for several seasons.

Watkins Memorial High School

The school that has hired Purtell to be the new head coach of their girls basketball team, pending school board approval.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This was very emotional for me,”

— Jack Purtell, Outgoing Newark girls basketball coach

What’s next

The Watkins Memorial school board is expected to formally approve Purtell's hiring as the new girls basketball head coach at their next meeting.

The takeaway

Purtell's departure is a significant loss for the Newark girls basketball program, which he led to a dramatic district championship victory this past season. His move to a rival school district will be closely watched by local fans and the community.