Pentoney reverses field on resignation
Hollidaysburg coach stepped down May 4By Michael Boytim,mboytim@altoonamirror.com
When he resigned from his post as the Hollidaysburg Area High School boys basketball coach, Mick Pentoney said his next move would not be backward or lateral.
As it turned out, it couldn't have been more lateral.
Pentoney will remain at the helm of the Golden Tigers after he rescinded his resignation earlier this week. According to Hollidaysburg district superintendent Dr. Paul Gallagher, Pentoney was never officially removed as head coach.
Pentoney submitted his letter of resignation Monday, May 4, and according to Hollidaysburg athletic director Dean Rossi, it was accepted in a committee meeting on Wednesday, May 6. However, according to Gallagher, because the school board never acted on it, the resignation never was official.
"Mick asked to be reinstated, and no action was ever taken by the [school] board,'' Gallagher said Saturday. "People sometimes make decisions and then change their minds. He's been our coach here for nine years, and we've always felt Mick did well by his players and did a good job for us.''
Pentoney said it was the school board and Gallagher who played a big part in his decision to stay on as the Golden Tigers' coach.
"Members of the school board and Dr. Gallagher have been very instrumental in putting these things together," Pentoney said. "They have been unbelievable. I'm a little embarrassed that I resigned and then turned around and came back, but I'm just really glad to be back with the kids and know you are appreciated. I just really appreciate the support that I and my family have gotten."
One of Pentoney's biggest concerns when he sent in his letter of resignation was the philosophical differences on how kids should be treated in the offseason, but now the coach says he has confidence things will improve.
"I never would have imagined that there would have been this much support," Pentoney said. "Dr. Gallagher has been overwhelming on how we can make this thing work. I've agreed to come back with the improvements we've made."
When asked to go into specific changes, Pentoney said meetings to discuss the problematic issues have been delayed due to his recently having a kidney stone removed.
"I don't know of any more specifics," Pentoney said. "The general idea we have talked about were things to make me more comfortable in coaching."
Gallagher said Pentoney has the full support of the district.
"I read his comments in the newspaper, and I don't think Mick was aware of changes that have already occurred,'' Gallagher said. "We want kids to play multiple sports. In Hollidaysburg were not big enough - we need as many as multiple-sport athletes as we can. We need all of our coaches to work together, whether it's basketball, football, soccer, baseball.''
There had been some speculation Pentoney had been contacted for other coaching jobs, but he said his intentions were never to leave Hollidaysburg.
"There have been other offers," Pentoney said. "But we were going to be here in Hollidaysburg and adjust to life without basketball, but now we're back into it, and I'm excited."
Buck Frank contributed to this story.
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Leprechaun
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05-17-09 10:34 PM
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Too bad the HASD Board of Directors does not take as much of an interest in academics as it does in athletics. Where sports are concerned, they will put in a 110% effort, but when it comes to what should really be important - academics, they are lukewarm at best. Hire the best coach - certainly, hire the best teacher - not always the case. Raise your taxes for a new gymnasium that is not necessary, since the current one is only sold out twice a year when Altoona boys and girls come to town - where do we sign. Build enough classrooms and labs for students and teachers - no way. What a collection of incompetent, selfish, short-sighted, ill-qualified, stumbling, bumbling fools.
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