Softball players tell board they want to keep coach

The team wants their softball coach for another year.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Members of the Springfield High School girls varsity softball team said they are concerned that their coach is being forced out of his position.
Samantha Cavalier, Colleen Platt, Courtney Sheely and Chelsea Quimby, all seniors, told the school board at its monthly meeting Thursday that they support Mike Dunn and were looking forward to having him coach their team a second year.
They said last year, the first year Dunn served as their coach, was the best year they had ever had as a team.
School officials confirmed Dunn has reapplied for the softball coaching position, but controversy has clouded the hiring process since rumors of the school district's intention to replace Dunn surfaced earlier this year.
Dunn, who teaches several high school business courses, continues coaching other sports. He just completed a season of junior varsity volleyball and is starting a new basketball season.
Parent's support
"We've heard a lot of stories," said David Platt, Colleen Platt's father. "But he is a good coach and the girls respect him. We've been hearing he's going to be replaced and that's very disappointing. I see no reason for that."
The coaching post carries a nonrenewable, one-year contract, and the job is put out for bid each year.
Typically, the athletic director and high school principal interview applicants and make final recommendations to the superintendent. The superintendent may interview the final candidates and make a recommendation to the board as to which candidate to appoint.
Neither school board members nor administrators provided any comments on the issue Thursday. Dunn was not at the meeting.