Leading off today: Longtime Oswego wrestling coach Bill Jones was not reappointed to the position this year, triggering an angry reaction Tuesday at the school board meeting.
Roughly 25 people attended the meeting, mostly to speak on behalf of Jones, The Palladium-Times reported. Nine people spoke in support of Jones, who had coached since 1992.
Board member John Dunsmoor said Jones was not reappointed "because we weren’t happy (with) the back up we got,” referring to his evaluation. “The evaluation we got, we just want to see more.”
Ryan Blauvelt, who won a Section 3 championship last year and placed fourth in the NYSPHSAA championships, questioned the board's decision.
"I couldn’t ask for a better coach than him," he said. "He has taught me everything I know about wrestling. You guys should definitely let him be the coach if you guys ever want a sectional champion out of Oswego."
After the public session, Ryan Blauvelt’s father, Dave Blauvelt, asked if the public was going to get an answer about the status of Jones. "You guys don’t give anyone a reason for nothing. It’s about time you all gave something -- that’s why we’re all here."
Board president Dave White said the board would not elaborate on personnel matters and said a new coach has not been selected.
Colonie Lanni calls it quits: Greg Lanni, who has coached Colonie baseball for the past 14 years, announced his resignation, citing personal reasons for a one-year coaching sabbatical.
"I'll miss it," he told The Times Union. "I'll miss the games, the competition and the Suburban Council. Most of all, I'll miss the kids. We've had some good ones and it is fun to see them move on to play in college."
Colonie appeared in the 2006 state Class AA final and was 14-10 last spring, leaving Lanni with a 234-117 record.
Gridder hit by car: Poughkeepsie starting quarterback Shawn Doxey is recovering from injuries received when an automobile struck him on a city sidewalk this week. Doxey and two friends were returning home from practice when he was clipped from behind by the vehicle.
The Poughkeepsie Journal reported that Doxey, a junior, suffered a concussion and arm injuries that required 32 stitches and that the driver of the car would possibly face charges.
"He showed up to school (Thursday) in his football jersey," Coach Ken Barger said. "The kid's a true warrior in every sense of the word. It's amazing he was one, able to survive, and two, able to recover at the rate he's recovering."
It's unclear when Doxey will be cleared to play.
