Bob Letsch was unexpectedly let go Saturday from his position as boys’ basketball coach at St. Catherine’s High School.
Letsch, 70, has been coach at SCHS for 35 years, and he has one of the most winningest records in state history. But, earlier this week, he was told by school administration to either retire or resign, according to a story at Wisconsin Sports Net.
School officials are not commenting on the decision beyond saying they can’t discuss personnel matters. St. Cat’s Athletic and Activities Director Corey Scheel released an official statement thanking Letsch for his years of service.
“The importance of Bob’s contributions to SCHS as both a coach and former teacher cannot be overstated. The school thanks him for his thirty-plus years of service to thousands of students and players,” the statement reads. “As with all personnel matters, St. Catherine’s cannot disclose any details no matter the situation.”
The story on wissports.net notes that the relationship between Letsch and school leaders the last few years has been strained.
Letsch told WSN that St. Cat’s President Christopher Olley wanted Letsch to retire, and when he refused, Olley said he wouldn’t retain Letsch for the 2014-2015 school year.
“The President of our school wanted me to retire and I said I wanted to keep on coaching,” Letsch is quoted as saying. “So then he said he would non-renew me as coach so I said you go ahead and non-renew me as coach.”
St. Catherine’s alumni are not taking the news well. Within hours a Facebook page – Support Coach Letsch – was established and comments questioning the move were starting to add up.