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Gate City Softball Coach Terminated for 'Insubordination'

From staff reports

After a special-called meeting of the Scott County School Board held Monday night to discuss personnel items related to coaching contracts, Lady Blue Devil head softball coach Hugh Godsey’s coaching contract was terminated. The two-and-a-half hour meeting was held at the School Board Office, which was open to the public.

“I’ve known Hugh for many years,” said
Superintendent Scott. “It’s not a matter of
his character or his coaching abilities.
I asked Hugh to do something for me
two or three times, and he was unable to
do that.”

Many students, players, parents and members of the community came out to support Godsey during Monday night’s meeting. Twenty three people addressed the board for over one hour, as they spoke of Godsey’s character, dedication and coaching abilities.

After 90 minutes in closed session with Godsey and Scott County Division Superintendent James Scott, the board returned to the conference room and voted unanimously to terminate Godsey as Gate City’s head softball coach.

Superintendent Scott requested that the board terminate Godsey as Gate City’s softball coach due to insubordination. District 6 School Board member David Kindle made the motion to terminate Godsey, and Joe Meade seconded the motion. All five members of the board voted for the termination.

Godsey will still receive his 2007 softball coaching supplement; however, his coaching position was terminated immediately. Godsey also retains his teaching position in the Scott County Public School System.

“I’ve known Hugh for many years,” said Superintendent Scott. “It’s not a matter of his character or his coaching abilities. I asked Hugh to do something for me two or three times, and he was unable to do that.”

Board chairman Virgil Sampson opened the public hearing with a call to order at 6 p.m. Those who wished to address the board signed cards and gave them to Sampson. He allowed people to speak in the order he received their cards.

Many players and former players addressed the board in tears, as they praised Godsey as a coach and a human being.

“I’ve already had my last great season with Coach Godsey,” said Gate City senior basketball player Ashton Bishop. “So this doesn’t really involve me, but these other girls aren’t going to have that privilege. He’s like a dad to all of us. Just look at the tears in the eyes of all of us, and you can see what he means to us.”

Assistant coaches and a couple of fellow educators also spoke on behalf of Godsey.

“He (Godsey) has gone above and beyond for these girls,” said Lady Blue Devil assistant coach Stan Rogers. “His effort and caring for these girls has been noted all over the state. He is a fine man.”

Dr. David Redwine, chairman of the Scott County Board of Supervisors, addressed the board and told them that he felt like people expressing themselves in front of a board like this is extremely important when it comes to making decisions.

“I am more concerned that my children are in the presence of leaders,” said Redwine. “The only important thing that matters is that we maintain quality people in our system – good, quality people are hard to come by.”

Chairman Sampson thanked the people for the way they spoke during the public comment before the board went into closed meeting. However, some members of the public changed their tone after the decision was made, and emotions ranging from sadness to anger were expressed toward the board and Scott.

While some of those present maintained a calm demeanor and a positive attitude of hope, others lashed out at those involved in making the decision. Some people asserted that the board members were spineless, while others called Superintendent Scott a dictator and referred to him as Saddam Hussein.

Many of those present expressed that administrators and board members didn’t “give a s*** about girls’ athletics at Gate City.”

A replacement for Godsey has yet to be named. He is eligible for coaching positions next year and is still employed as a teacher in Scott County.

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