<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658429337993.jpeg" alt="Jerrod Stanford" />
 <figcaption>Jerrod Stanford</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Stanford a former graduate assistant with Fort Hays State</h2>CCCCOLBY — Colby Community College announced the hiring of Jerrod Stanford to lead the men's basketball program next season. He fills the position vacated by Rusty Elmore, who resigned in June.Stanford begins his new role this week. He is no stranger to the Jayhawk Conference, as he spent the last seven years as the head men's coach at Division II Labette Community College, compiling a record of 83-92. His 2020-21 squad won Labette's first regular-season conference title. He took teams to the Region VI championship game in 2018 and 2021, the school's only appearances since 1961.The St. John native is familiar with CCC basketball. He coached former Trojan and All-KJCCC guard Carson Konrade at Spearville High School, where Konrade was twice named to the Class 2A All-State team by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association.Colby Athletic Director Mike Saddler said the new coach is qualified in many ways."Jerrod brings a great background with him," said Saddler. "He spent time coaching in western Kansas at both the high school and college level and has years of experience as a head coach in the Jayhawk Conference. His background makes him an outstanding fit for Colby Community College, and we look for him to continue to help guide the program forward. We are really looking forward to getting Jerrod and his family to Colby.""My family and I are excited to be part of the Colby community," said Stanford. "I look forward to continuing to build a strong Trojans program."Stanford and his wife of nine years, Traci, are parents to three children, Ivy, age 8; Justus, 4; and one-year-old Raef.&nbsp;"Fatherhood is the best blessing I could've ever asked for," Stanford added.Outside coaching, he enjoys cooking, being outside and making memories with his family. He is active in his Catholic faith and teaches his children about the church's saints and sacraments.Stanford earned a bachelor's degree from Sterling College and a master's degree when he was a graduate assistant on the Fort Hays State University basketball staff.

St. John native takes reins of Colby CC men's basketball program