(Sandusky) – A large, standing room only, crowd of concerned parents filled the Sandusky Board of Education meeting Wednesday night, waiting to hear a decision on what some felt was a controversial hiring of a basketball coach. Athletic Director Al Demott, and Superintendent Michael Carmean both recommended the board hire Kurt Long as the girls eighth grade basketball coach.
Several audience members spoke of an incident involving Long in 2013 which led to his resignation. A number of parents voiced concerned of Long having contact with their daughters on the team. Others supported the long time coach and former Sandusky graduate, speaking in support of the hiring.
Varsity football Coach Craig Jacobson called the crowd’s concern a “witch hunt” and felt it was “silliness”. John Guttowsky, another longtime staff member and Long supporter said he “guaranteed” there would not be a problem. While addressing the audience and holding a stone, he dared anyone to “cast the first stone.”
Board President Dr. Robert Hassler explained to the crowd, based on the recommendations the board was given, and positive interviews with Long by DeMott and Carmean, the board would make a decision. They voted 4-2 to approve the hiring.
In other board news, a request to name the Sandusky high school track after longtime coach and mentor Coach Wayne Roberts was made by Scott Long. Roberts, recently injured in a hit-and-run accident while jogging, has more than 35 years of experience as a coach. The $1,300 project would be covered by donations.
Coach Roberts has impacted numerous Redskin athletes in his 30-plus years of work with the Sandusky cross country and track teams. He earned the Governor’s Special Tribute award 17 times and was the Michigan High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1995.
He also was inducted to the Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1996. The board is researching their policies to make sure taking such action is allowable. A decision is expected at their December meeting.
