By Steve Gunn
LocalSportsJournal.com
NORTH MUSKEGON – North Muskegon High School has decided to replace varsity football coach Mike Belmonte, according to a statement released by the district.
No successor for Belmonte has been named. The district “has made the decision to seek out a new varsity football coach,” according to Superintendent Curt Babcock.
Belmonte, who completed his fourth season as the varsity football coach in the fall, is also the Director of Student Affairs at North Muskegon High School/Middle School.
Babcock’s statement indicated that a conflict has existed between Belmonte’s two jobs, prompting the district to make the change.
“Due to the conflicting schedules and responsibilities of a school building level administrator and those of a coach, North Muskegon Public Schools has made the decision to seek out a new varsity football coach,” Babcock’s statement said.
“We are pleased with the direction Coach Belmonte and his staff have taken our program, but feel it is in the best interest of our whole district to move away from a building administrator also covering the demanding responsibilities of a head coach. We are excited to continue the growth of our football program and look forward to a successful future for Norse football.”
Belmonte told LocalSportsJournal.com that he did not resign. He said he learned about the decision from Babcock about two weeks ago.
“It doesn’t matter if I agree with it or not,” Belmonte said. “I was disappointed. It was unexpected. It is what it is. I will accept it and move on and spend more time with my family. Hopefully whoever they do hire as head coach will allow me to help.
“We’ve got the program going in the right direction. We’re primed with a good senior class coming up to have another good season.”
Belmonte finished with an overall 18-18 record. The Norse were 5-4 in his first three seasons, just missing the state playoffs each time. It was the first time the team had three consecutive winning seasons since 1989, according to Belmonte.
The team finished 3-6 last season.
What a HUGE mistake this is. Finding hard working, loyal and knowledgeable football coaches these days is next to impossible. Mike Belmonte is the perfect guy. Good luck NM with this decision.
Huge mistake! Good luck finding a more loyal, dedicated and knowledgeable coach that Mike Belmonte. Administration must not be paying attention to whats important.
North Muskegon hired Larry witham former assistant coach at north Muskegon and last year led the hart pirates to a undefeated 2015 season