Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
COLFAX — With girls basketball, wrestling and softball coaches resigning — followed by new virus orders issued by Gov. Inslee — the hiring process for high school athletics is paused.
“We’re not offering coaching contracts until we know there’s gonna be a season,” Superintendent Jerry Pugh said last week.
Girls basketball advertised for an Oct. 16 closing date.
“We have a few candidates, but we’re waiting to see the response of the state,” Pugh said.
With basketball and wrestling seasons now delayed to a Feb. 1 start date in the 2020-21 plan by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, Pugh shut down practices Nov. 16 (girls and boys basketball, baseball batting), which had resumed from the curtailed summer allowance.
He made the decision after the governor’s Sunday morning press conference, which put most school extracurricular activities on hold for four weeks.
“We’re kind of caught out in the middle of nowhere right now,” Pugh said.
Departing coaches
Wrestling Coach Dennis Gransbery is leaving after 10 years. He hopes to return to the program after a three-year job in Germany. He leaves in January to work in safety for the U.S. Department of Defense’s logistics agency at Rammstein Air Force Base.
Gransbery has coached a list of top two and three state wrestling placers, including current senior Caden Noha, who took second at the Tacoma Dome in March in the 182-pound class.
The coach will leave just as the newly remodeled Colfax High School gymnasium has improved wrestling facilities.
“We finally get things that are nice, then I gotta leave for three years,” Gransbery said. “I definitely look forward to coming back.”
Corey Baerlocher submitted his resignation as girls basketball coach in September after 18 years and eight state championships, citing change in the school administration.
“The only thing that hasn’t changed is my commitment and passion for Colfax girls basketball,” he said.
Michelle Miller resigned as softball coach in September.
She was head coach for four years, following Terry Eng. Miller also spent four years as an assistant.
“Over the past 14 years since I began coaching in Colfax, I have experienced tremendous support from the people of this town and community,” Miller said. “I will always be appreciative and grateful for this community and each athlete I had the humbling opportunity to coach.
“I will not comment on my departure, as I do not find it beneficial to publicly express my reasons for leaving.”
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
Reader Comments(0)