Crockett County baseball coach resigns
CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn — A baseball coach and teacher in Crockett County resigned Monday, amid controversy. Parents prayed before Monday nights Crockett County School Board meeting. Each trying to deal with the resignation of Coach Mike Wickersham. Wickersham, resigned after some parents accused him of bullying their children. Other parents say, it is all untrue. “I think that there were a lot of false accusations. False and frivolous,” said Tiffany Nance who has a son in the baseball program. “He was a really great coach.” Mike Wickersham was a coach and teacher at the Crockett County High School for almost four years. Some of his students say he was a very likable guy. While others say he was too tough. “I feel it’s very unfortunate,” said Tyler Campbell who is a senior at Crockett County High School. “I was, along with other students, very fond of him.” Elizabeth Myers, a Crockett County High School graduate, disagrees. “He wasn’t being nothing but rude to all of the students and I’m very glad that he left.” said Myers. “Students deserve better than that.” According to the accusing parents, Wickersham called their children names, cussed at them, and even took his bullying to parents on twitter. Supporters said it all stemmed from Coach Wickersham cutting their children from the team. “I feel for the kids that got cut,” said Shane Hay, whose son was on Coach Wickersham’s team. “But you can’t take the whole team with you.” Whether they are happy or upset with his departure, parents said his record for winning is unmatched. “He has taken the program so far,” said Hay. “He took us to Murfreesboro a couple years ago. First time we’ve ever gone to a state tournament.” While some find his resignation to be for the best, other say it will only hurt the program and their kids. Supporters of coach Wickersham petitioned the Crockett County School Board Monday night asking they not accept his resignation. Superintendent Robert Mullins Jr. refused to comment on the situation and would not allow our cameras inside Monday night’s board meeting.
