The Johnston City School District is proud to announce two key additions to the high school’s athletic leadership. Quinton Smothers has been named the new Head Boys' Basketball Coach, bringing his passion and expertise to the program. Additionally, JCHS teacher and current Assistant Football Coach Marshall Mummert will step into the role of Head Football Coach.
The Board of Education is confident that these two individuals are exceptionally well-qualified to lead and foster the continued success of our student-athletes, provide a seamless transition for our programs, and uphold the high standards that our parents and community expect.
Mummert is a familiar name in the town, high school, and football program. The JCHS teacher is a 2005 alumnus who played high school football and has been on the staff for 16 of his 19 coaching years.
In 2005, Mummert began as an assistant coach for the Freshman/Sophomore team. In 2008, he was promoted to position coach on the defensive and offensive lines at the varsity level and became the head Freshman/Sophomore coach. His dedication to our student athletes supports his stance on the game.
“My coaching philosophy is built on the idea that success doesn’t happen by accident - it’s earned through consistent, hard, and often monotonous work. We strive for perfection, knowing we’ll never reach it, but that pursuit sharpens us and builds habits that lead to winning.”
For the 2010 season, he was the JCHS full-time varsity assistant coach, overseeing the offensive and defensive lines and becoming heavily involved in the offensive game planning. Mummert then spent three years at West Frankfort before returning for the JCHS 2014 playoff run. He has been a strong presence in JC football since his return in 2014.
In 2022, Mummert took on a new JCHS football coaching position as the offensive coordinator while continuing to coach the offensive and defensive lines. During this time, the high school football team held a record of 32 to 5 and reached the state semi-finals in two of the past three years.
“I believe in keeping things simple so our players can play fast and confidently. Discipline is key - we want to execute at a high level and play smart, penalty-free football. Mental and physical toughness are a core part of who we are. It’s not about talking tough - it’s about showing up, responding to adversity, and doing things the right way every day.”
Mummert knows Johnston City has a special football culture and tradition, and he’s ready to put in the work as head football coach to see this continue during his tenure. Still admitting, though, he owes a lot to the coaches and players who came before him.
“I’m proud to continue building on the strong foundation we have at Johnston City, and I’m committed to helping our players grow - not just on the field, but as people.”
Our JCHS basketball program is also committed to its players and their growth. Now, Quinton Smothers joins Johnston City as the new Head Boys’ Basketball Coach following 13 years with the Herrin School District. His coaching career started in September 2012, splitting his time as the Herrin Girls Junior High Basketball Coach and the Boys High School Junior Varsity Basketball Coach.
Over the course of nearly three years at the junior high school, Smothers coached the 7th-grade girls basketball team, as well as assisted with the 8th-grade girls team. In 2015, Smothers made the transition to coaching at the boys high school level.
In addition to those responsibilities, Smothers has been vital in planning and organizing the Herrin Junior Tiger Basketball Program, as well as the youth basketball summer camps, and the Alumni League. He also assisted with fundraising events to support the basketball program, such as the annual Triple Threat Tournament for the 5th and 6th-grade basketball teams.
“One of my favorite things about coaching is being able to be involved with our Junior Youth program. This program has been a great way to get the young athletes interested in the sport, as well as directly influencing positive skill development. Also, getting to work with the youth has allowed us to instill values like teamwork and sportsmanship.”
However, most of Smothers’ coaching career has focused on boys' high school basketball. He takes pride in being a leader and having experience mentoring student-athletes to achieve athletic and academic goals.
He brings an impressive track record, including leading teams to JV conference championships in 2021–22 and 2022–23 (undefeated). His JV team was co-conference champion in 2023–24 and finished in second place in 2024–25. Over his ten-year span at Herrin High School, Smothers accumulated a remarkable record of 132-55 from 2015 to the present.
“I believe that to build a winning environment, creating a strong team culture is key. It starts with leading by example; everyone is held accountable, and no excuses.”
Now, Smothers is ready to take our high school basketball program and create that culture. His goal for the first year is to build a strong foundation for success and establish a clear vision and set achievable goals.
“I am excited to start this new journey at Johnston City High School. I want to continue to have a positive impact on these student athletes, not only on the court, but also in their everyday lives.”
Smothers will be supported by the high school’s new assistant boys basketball coach, Hayden Holloway, who was also hired by the school board during its special meeting. Holloway is a dedicated and knowledgeable coach. He brings a strong educational background, having graduated from John A. Logan College and Southern Illinois University before earning his Master of Accountancy from Missouri State University.
Over the past four years, he served as an assistant coach at Herrin High School, where he played a key role in developing game plans, leading practices, and promoting physical fitness among the athletes.
Hayden is no stranger to Johnston City. His grandparents lived in Johnston City, and his mother graduated from Johnston City High School in 1986. Hayden is enthusiastic about joining the Johnston City program and looks forward to helping student-athletes grow both on and off the court, emphasizing skill development and the value of teamwork.
This summer, the new coaches are excited to begin working with their teams on conditioning and strength training, conducting open gyms/fields, scrimmages, and team-building activities.
We’re excited to welcome Coach Smothers and Assistant Coach Holloway as well as congratulate Coach Mummert, as they take on these important roles and help lead Johnston City High School’s student-athletes to success!