PROCTORVILLE — Chad Belville had the Fairland Dragons program on the rise. Now he plans to do the same with his own career.

After building the Dragons back into prominence, Belville has decided to step down as the head coach to pursue some personal goals.

“I did get my principal’s certificate and I’m looking to go that route. I want to go in that direction with my career, so if I would get a job this summer I don’t want to leave the program scrambling for a coach. It’s a tough decision to make,” said Belville.

The Dragons were 19-6 last season as they reached the Division III regional semifinals, only the fifth trip to the regional tournament in school history. The Dragons lose only one senior from that team.

“It’s a good time to make the move. There’s plenty coming back for the guy coming in.,” said Belville. “We have good coaches at the lower levels. It’s a good program that’s on the rise. I’m leaving now while the cupboard is full.”

Belville is 116-91 overall and 49-42 at Fairland.

This past year, he registered his 100th victory in the third game of the season in a win at Greenup County.

His Fairland teams won an Ohio Valley Conference championship, three straight sectional titles, reached the district finals a school record three straight years, and won a district championship.

It was only the third time in school history the Dragons have won three straight sectionals and the past two seasons the Dragons won back-to-back Huntington St. Joe Invitational titles, another first for the school.

“In four years we’ve been able to accomplish quite bit,” said Belville.

Before taking the job at his alma mater, Belville was the head coach of the Chesapeake Lady Panthers for four seasons.

Belville has not ruled out a return to coaching in the future.