July 14, 2009 — Chelsea parents and high school softball players are outraged with the recent firing of their coach who brought home a state championship and an undefeated season last year.

Coach Gary Reed was reportedly relieved of his coaching duties late last month after allegedly using profanity at a practice. Reed will remain a teacher at Chelsea schools where he teaches history and business classes.

“This kills me,” Reed said following Monday’s Board of Education meeting where parents and players spoke in support of him. “It absolutely crushes my heart, not only for my family, but for the kids involved. This is supposed to be about the kids.”

According to statements made at the meeting, Reed was allegedly heard saying an “R-rated” word at a practice approximately three weeks ago. Whether the word was actually said or players or parents were around to hear it is unknown because Superintendent Rich McSpadden would not entertain any questions.

McSpadden called an assembly July 7 to answer parents’ questions concerning Reed’s dismissal as coach. At that assembly, parents said they had questions that went unanswered and were told McSpadden has the right to hire and fire when it comes to coaches and extra duties within the school system. He reiterated that fact at Monday’s meeting before allowing Reed’s supporters to speak.

Susan Hefner was Chelsea Schools’ transportation director for the 2008-2009 school year and her daughter has played softball since she was 5, including playing for Reed. She called McSpadden a dictator.

“Please correct this injustice and don’t let Mr. McSpadden turn this into a dictatorship that he controls,” Hefner said at the meeting. “Mr. McSpadden said the board could not correct this, but you do have the power to reinstate Coach Reed immediately, and dismiss Rich McSpadden of his duties.”

Former police chief Kenny Kelsey, who has had two daughters play for the softball team, said he investigated the situation on his own accord.

“I have never heard Coach Reed use any foul language,” he said. “I did my own investigation and my understanding is he wasn’t even on the field when this conversation took place. Every court in the country has the third strike rule. I believe he deserves the third strike rule here.”

Despite the pleas of softball parents and players, who called Reed a great man, a caring coach who brought in a tutor to help his players with their grades, and asked board members to conduct their own investigation into the matter, the board took no action concerning Reed’s coaching duties.

With softball season beginning in August, the high school team is left without a coach just weeks before their first game.

Reed took the softball team to the state championships last year, bringing home that title and ending the year with a 42-0 record.

The resignation of board member Mike Everett was accepted at the meeting as well. Everett’s resignation is reportedly due to McSpadden’s actions against Reed. Everett was unavailable for comment as of press time Tuesday.