Coupeville Sports

   CHS will have three new head coaches next school year, after changes in the boys basketball, cheer and girls soccer programs. (John Fisken photo)

Coupeville High School has three open head coaching positions, though only one job has been officially posted.

The agenda for this Monday’s school board meeting, which is now available to the public, includes a request to not renew the supplemental contract of girls soccer coach Troy Cowan.

That job is expected to be posted shortly.

The school board already voted to not renew cheer coach Cheridan Eck’s contract at its Nov. 28 meeting, and the job was posted Dec. 12.

The position remains unfilled.

A third coach, Anthony Smith, confirmed he has been told he will not be returning to the boys basketball program.

Action on his contract is expected to happen at the school board’s April meeting, and the job would be posted afterwards.

Soccer and basketball hiring decisions are made by the school’s Athletic Director, Willie Smith, while cheer is an activity at CHS and falls under the purview of Principal Duane Baumann.

School officials declined to issue any public statements on any of the coaching changes.

Anthony Smith coached basketball for six seasons, while Eck ran the cheer program for five and Cowan headed the pitch squad for the last four years.

“I was given a great opportunity,” Anthony Smith said.

His words were echoed by Cowan, who released the following statement:

I was surprised, but the decision wasn’t mine.

I had a fantastic four-year run and am very thankful to Mrs. (Lori) Stolee for the opportunity and Mr. Baumann, who supported me and all of the staff at CHS.

I am extremely thankful for the wonderful relationships I developed with the players and the best fans on the Island!

I tried to change the culture and bring a new and positive approach to the program.

I’m proud of the accomplishments and the growth that I saw in the program, but unfortunately, I came up a bit short.

I honestly enjoyed every minute I spent with the Lady Wolves and will cherish them dearly.

I hope this new direction the school wants to take the program helps them put that first banner in the rafters.

I honestly wish the girls all the luck and hope they achieve their full potential.