Coach steps down after suspension

A coach at Walter J. Baird Middle School stepped down from his position with the boys' basketball team Monday after receiving a five-day suspension for improper conduct, according to officials with the Lebanon Special Schools District.
LSSD Director Andy Brummett and WJB Principal Mark Willoughby declined to identify the coach yesterday, noting specific details regarding the suspension would not be revealed until due process is completed.
But head coach Terry Spurlock did not coach the Blue Devils in last night's game at West Wilson. Troy Gannon, the head coach of Castle Heights Upper Elementary's boys team, was in charge of the team.
Brummett did note the incident took place early last week in the school's gymnasium during basketball practice.
"There wasn't anything that he physically did to a child or anything. It was just an inappropriate statement," Brummett said.
Willoughby added the unidentified faculty member resigned from coaching Monday but plans to continue teaching at the middle school.
Brummett and Willoughby explained the faculty member had never before been reprimanded for inappropriate behavior.
"Up until this time, everything has been smooth – we never had any discipline reprimands," Willoughby said.
Staff Writer Brian Harville can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 16 or by e-mail at brian.harville@lebanondemocrat.com.