Fitch eyes new coach to rebuild program

By John Kovach

Roger Day resigned as basketball coach after four seasons at the Falcons’ helm.

AUSTINTOWN — On the heels of Roger Day’s resignation as coach of the Austintown Fitch High boys basketball team, the Falcons are in the market for a new coach who can fulfill long-sought school and team objectives.

Specifically, Fitch is looking for a coach who can come in and build the program from the ground floor up, beginning with young boys who can learn and grow from one level to the next as they actualize their potential toward the varsity.

“We need to have someone come in to take charge at all levels. That’s what [Roger] and I were working on, and he just got discouraged by the overall results,” said Fitch athletic director Rob Conklin, who lauded Day’s four-year performance as coach despite his 11-74 record compiled over the span.

Day was 3-18 this past season and 4-18 the year before, including 0-10 both years in the Federal League.

“We’re looking for someone that’s going to come in and work just as hard and be as dedicated as Roger without question,” said Conklin.

Day did not respond to a request for an interview.

Conklin, who is nearing the conclusion of his second year at Fitch, emphasized that he liked Day’s work and that it was Day’s decision to leave as coach after succeeding Gary Conroy.

“I was extremely impressed by his work ethic, his knowledge of the game and his communication with the kids and parents. He will be missed from my perspective,” said Conklin.

Conklin said he worked with Day for two years to improve the basketball program, and felt that they were approaching their goal when Day decided to leave the job.

“When I came aboard, Roger was already coach. He did a great job. He was hard working and dedicated. He did all the right things but it was unfortunate that he did not have the success that he wanted,” said Conklin, who believes Day just had enough trying to compete in the demanding Federal League without adequate playing personnel.

“He was a Poland guy who played for [Coach Ken] Grisdale. He had a lot of success early and as a coach but he just got disappointed.”

Conklin thought that he and Day were on the right path.

“We were on the verge of getting things straightened out but he made the decision not to continue.”

Conklin hopes to have a coach in place by May.

“We have posted the job opening. We are accepting letters of interest and resumes until April 17. We prefer head-coaching experience,” said Conklin.

“Our intent is to review our initial applicants the week beginning April 20, and stage our first round of interviews at the end of that week. Hopefully, we will have a second round of interviews the following week beginning April 27.

Then, “We will submit our recommendation to the board. We hope to have some one hired by May.”

Conklin wants a coach by May “because we have open gym periods toward the latter part of summer, so we want to have the coach set by May to set up open gyms, organize our camps and particularly organize our younger programs. “

In addition, “The individual chosen will have to get a staff as soon as possible before summer. That’s usually a collaborative effort at least in my experience, based on interest from within and the coach’s preference.”

Conklin knows what to expect.

“Unfortunately, I have been through this process before,” said Conklin, who already has received applications.

“We’ve had a dozen applications as of [Thursday], both local and from throughout the state of Ohio,” said Conroy.

kovach@vindy.com

XLetters of interest and applications should be mailed to Fitch High, to the attention of Rob Conklin, 4560 Falcon Drive, Austintown 44515.