Smith officially withdraws from football search
The termination process for Fitch High softball coach Melody Rice continues.
VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT
After six seasons with a winning record, Springfield High football coach John Smith has chosen not to return.
In New Middletown, Smith initially put in an application to return as Tigers varsity coach.
Smith later withdrew his application. Jeff Dyer, Springfield athletic director, said Smith changed his mind because of family reasons.
Dyer said Smith continues to fulfill the position, helping seniors with the college recruiting process.
Smith compiled a 36-25 record at Springfield. The Tigers were 6-4 this season. He had only one losing season and Springfield qualified for the playoffs in Division V in 2002.
Debra Mettee, Springfield superintendent, is seeking applicants for the Springfield football position through Jan. 31.
Dyer said a committee will begin sifting through the applications next week and a decision is expected soon.
Process continues
In Austintown, after suspending Fitch High softball coach Melody Rice effective Jan. 11, an interim varsity softball coach has been appointed as termination proceedings against Rice proceed.
Fitch principal Doug McGlynn says Andrew Bakes, who was an assistant for Rice, has been appointed interim varsity softball coach.
McGlynn said on Wednesday that the termination process against Rice is under way. The proceedings will continue after an arbitrator is appointed, which Austintown Superintendent Douglas Heuer says should happen by Feb. 9.
McGlynn said an informal hearing first will be scheduled and if the matter is not resolved, a formal hearing will follow. He estimated the process could take up to 60 days.
Heuer said he is unable to comment on a pending case.
History lesson
Two years ago, Rice took over the Fitch softball team that was coming off a 1-21 season. She guided the Falcons to a district championship and a regional appearance, success very few Fitch athletes have experienced in the past four years.
On Jan. 10, the Austintown school board issued a release saying that Rice's conduct constitutes grounds for termination of her contract.
The board released a copy of a letter sent to Rice saying students had complained that they were subject to intimidation, harassment and embarrassment by Rice, a seventh-grade language arts teacher at Austintown Middle School.
Rice's father, Denny, is principal of Austintown's Frank Ohl Middle School.
Michael Creatore, Austintown board president, said Rice was insubordinate on two occasions and that the team has lost older players because of her coaching style.
Rice has denied those claims.
Players at the Jan. 10 Austintown board meeting say five seniors have left the softball program.
Creatore, who has had two daughters play in Rice's program, said he has received numerous complaints from players parents about Rice's coaching style.
Another board member, Rich Zimmermann, has a daughter on the team.