PILOT MOUNTAIN — East Surry is one step closer to replacing retired girls basketball coach Robert Smith, having recently hired the former boys basketball coach from Patrick County, Va., to fill a teaching position.

According to Surry County Schools officials, Keith Gunter was approved by the Surry County School Board as an exceptional children’s teacher at East Surry during its last meeting June 1.

Gunter was previously employed at Patrick County High School as the school’s boys basketball coach where the Cougars finished 5-18 this past season.

Dr. Ashley Hinson, superintendent of Surry County Schools, confirmed his hire Wednesday as a teacher.

Coach Barry Hall, East Surry’s athletic director also confirmed that Gunter is the school’s candidate for replacing Smith.

According to Hinson, Gunter’s confirmation as East Surry’s coach will go before the board during it’s next meeting, July 12.

Gunter has a fairly large hole to fill in replacing Smith, who amassed a strong career during his more than 25 years in Pilot Mountain, leading the Cardinals to a state title in 2001 and numerous trips to the Western Regional final, where nemesis Bishop McGuinness dispatched the Cardinals this past season.

The Cardinals return reigning Northwest 1A player of the year Kelsey Long, as well as oft-used sophomore Autumn Cole, but must replace a trio of tough seniors in Courtney Simmons, Paige Honeycutt and Lekita Shuff.