It’s hard to imagine but Gateway head football coach Terry Smith estimated around 800 people showed up for Wednesday night’s school board meeting in suburban Pittsburgh.
It wasn’t for the free coffee.
Like most schools in the Commonwealth, Gateway has been forced to trim its budget, approved June 27 at $65 million, for the new school year. And it seems Smith’s moonlighting gig as the school’s athletic director was caught in the board’s cross hairs.
That’s why hundreds showed up to support their coach and mentor.
“I was overwhelmed and very emotional,” said Smith, a 1987 Gateway graduate who has compiled a 92-28 coaching record, six sectional titles and four WPIAL Class AAAA title games over the last 10 seasons. Under his watch, 40 Gateway players have earned scholarships to FBS programs.
“I’m very appreciative of the support, the amount of work a lot of community members have put forth on my behalf. I had no idea that many people would show up. It was unbelievable.”
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that around 50 football players, some holding a “Save Our Coach” sign, spoke on Smith’s behalf. Student athletes from other sports also expressed their support for whom many called a father figure.
Under the new proposal, the athletic director’s position will be considered part-time, paid $45,000 annually along with half benefits. It would also forbid the athletic director from holding any supplemental contracts, like the position of head football coach.
It’s all part of a $7 million mandatory reduction, which will also see 18 teachers ousted.
What’s interesting is Smith, who will actually earn less than half of his 2011-12 salary, submitted a plan to reduce his athletic budget by $160,000. It didn’t stick.
“It wasn’t a numbers game,” said Smith. “I provided them with cuts in my budget, which they refused. We have $5.6 million just sitting in a general fund. We even created a pay to participate fund this year. Who knows where those funds are going.”/p
If there’s any good news for Smith, it’s that one of the most respected and likable coaches in the state will lead the Gators this fall. The resolution will not take effect until Dec. 31.
Between now and then, however, Smith will face a difficult decision, an all-to familiar one when it comes to the now-expendable world of scholastic athletics.
“Each day is a new day. School boards change like the weather,” said Smith. “I like athletic administration, being able to work with kids in other sports. Obviously, I would love to keep coaching football as well.”
EPLER ON TWITTER: @threejacker