ORONO – Orono High School girls basketball coach Steve Gardner, who amassed more than 250 wins and a pair of state championships, is leaving that post to accept a job as principal of a K-8 school in Sedona, Ariz.

Gardner, who retired from a career in education in 2000 after 31 years as a principal, assistant principal, athletic director and teacher at Orono High School, recently began exploring the possibility of a return to academic administration.

He couldn’t find a career match in Maine, so he turned to the Internet – and found an opening in Sedona, a tourism-based city of 10,400 in central Arizona, that was too enticing to turn down.

“It was a hard decision,” he said. “I just love coaching girls basketball; it’s driven my career path somewhat up until now.”

When he heads for Arizona on July 22, Gardner will leave behind a coaching record impressive both for its success and longevity.

In 21 seasons as the Red Riots’ varsity coach, he compiled a record of 252-158 and guided the team to postseason play 15 times.

Orono finished 8-10 during the 2002-2003 campaign.

“I’ve been very lucky, very fortunate for the support girls basketball has received here in Orono,” said Gardner.

Orono had its best run under Gardner during the mid- and late-1990s, including state Class B championship seasons in 1996 and 1998. One of the star players on those teams was one of his daughters, Susan.

“I think in terms of basketball, the highlight was winning that first state championship in 1996 when my daughter was a sophomore on the team,” he said. “That’s not an experience too many people get the chance to have.

“A lot of people leave coaching because of family. I was able to have both.”

Among other career highlights, Gardner recalled the relationships with his players, the tournament atmosphere at the Bangor Auditorium, and friendly rivalries that evolved over the years.

“Last weekend I took the team to a team camp in southern Maine and I ran into [current Messalonskee coach and former Houlton coach] John Donato. Over the years I always seemed to run into his teams.”

Orono High School will advertise for Gardner’s replacement, but current athletic director Mike Archer says the void will be substantial.

“It’s a huge loss, but I’m excited for Steve,” Archer said. “I know I learned a lot from him as far as being an athletic director goes. He’s been a tremendous resource for the school.

“There’s no one who will be able to replace him, but we’re going to go out and try to find the best person we can.”