A well-known former basketball coach from Eastern Kentucky has announced that he will run for state representative.

Bill Mike Runyon who retired from coaching at Paintsville High School last year, is seeking the Republican Party's nomination to run in the 97th District, which serves Johnson and Martin counties, and parts of Pike and Floyd counties.

The seat is currently held by Rep. Hubert Collins, a Democrat who has served since 1991.

A press release said Runyon would like to tackle issues, such as "the full out assault on coal mining, the strangle hold the government has on our individual liberties, the problems with our state budget, and the need to move forward in education."

Runyon who has also retired from teaching, currently serves on the Paintsville City Council.

During his 26 seasons at Paintsville High, he led the Tigers to 531 wins, eight regional titles and, in 1996, a state championship. The team was state runner-up in 1998. He also served as the school's athletic director and coached baseball and football.

He is married and has three grown children.