College won't renew b-ball coach's contract
Nicole Devriendt
Issue date: 1/29/07 Section: News
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Editor
The Kirtland Firebird's men's basketball team will soon have a new coach.
Kirtland Community College began searching for a new coach to begin immediately although Coach Glen Donahue's contract doesn't expire until July.
Donahue, a Michigan Hall of Fame Coach, developed Kirtland's basketball program. Donahue has coached KCC mens basketball since July 2000.
Although KCC officials declined to comment about why Donahue's contract is not being renewed, Donahue told The Paper, it is because the team is on probation. This is the second time in two years the college has been placed on probation by the Michigan Community College Athletic Association.
While Kirtland is on probationary status, Kirtland's games do not count in conference standings but the games do count for their opponents, according to the Michigan Community College Athletic Association.
Donahue said the probation was caused by a housing violation. Two players on the team were featured in a September 2006 article in the Detroit Free Press that highlighted their unusual living arrangements.
"The boys were not paying rent and that is why we were put on probation," Donahue said. "The college did not arrange for rent-free living.
"I introduced a man that needed looking after because he was falling and in danger of hurting himself, and two boys that could help look after him," Coach Donahue said.
It was the introduction that led to rent-free living with 89-year-old Maurice "Mr. Mike" Michael that led to sanctions. KCC basketball players Jerry Follot, 21, and Sal Kabara, 22, lived with Mr. Mike. Kirtland's Athletic Director Doug Ryckman indicated even an introduction goes to far.
"The college is not to have involvement with living or transportation," Ryckman said.
Sanctions on the college started November 20, 2006. There was a FCAA housing violation and a transportation violation, according to Ryckman.
Due to academic probation and injuries only five players were eligible to play at the end of last semester. To fill out the team three current Kirtland students were added to the roster.
New players Zeke Hayes, Gordon Jacobs, and Josh Burmester join Matt Tompkins, Mark Schafer, Jerry Follot, Brian Christian, and Leroy Allen.
"Coach has made a positive contribution to the K.C.C. program and got the program off to a fast start with all of his contracts and coaching expertise," Ryckman said in an e-mail interview.
"Coach's contract is not being renewed, but he will be completing this season," he said.
"The position was posted two weeks after a meeting with Coach Donahue," Ryckman said. "We felt it was important that the new coach have the opportunity to recruit his own players." Ryckman said.
Director of Human Resources Dale Shantz said, "We appreciate the service of Donahue. He got the program launched."
Assistant coach Steve Oppy said, "It's been a huge privilege to work with Coach Donahue.
"He has remained a true professional." Oppy said.
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