LINWOOD — Mainland Regional High School is looking for an interim head baseball coach after Joe Smith resigned from his position effective March 27.
The resignation follows an incident during a preseason trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C.
“The district was made aware of concerns related to a recent team trip and has initiated a comprehensive review of those matters. This review is ongoing, and the district is committed to addressing any issues identified with the seriousness they deserve,” Chief School Administrator Mark Marrone stated in an email. “As is district policy, we do not comment publicly on personnel matters beyond what is necessary to communicate operational updates.”
Marrone said the district is committed to transparency in communicating operational changes affecting its athletic programs and students.
“Our athletes deserve to be in an environment where they are safe, respected and supported to achieve both on and off the field,” Marrone stated in the news release to media outlets. “When concerns are brought to our attention, we take them seriously and respond with the thoroughness they require. … Importantly, no students are the subject of this investigation, and no students are alleged to have engaged in any wrongdoing.”
The news release added that a volunteer coach was removed from the coaching staff March 26.
The Mustangs won the 51st Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic last season, Smith’s first with Mainland, but were bounced by Ocean City 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA South Jersey Group III playoffs.
This year, Mainland topped Hammonton 7-2 in the season opener March 26 and were set to face them again March 30, but with a new coach.
Athletic Director Billy Kern, who led the Mustang baseball team to a state championship in 2014, will take over the program while an interim head coach is sought. Kern resigned as baseball coach to take over the athletic director position with the retirement of Michael Gatley. Kern graduated in 2003 from MRHS.
Smith took over the baseball program when Kern became A.D. after years coaching the baseball team in Delsea Regional High School.
“AD Kern’s immediate availability to stabilize the program ensures continuity and stability for our players, and I’m confident in his leadership and commitment to our athletes,” Marrone stated. “The district remains committed to providing our athletes with safe, supportive and educationally enriching experiences. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of program oversight, coach conduct and student-athlete welfare.”
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff