OPINION
By Ron Rop
LocalSportsJournal.com
Jim Goorman deserved better from the administration at Western Michigan Christian High School.
Goorman, 66, was, in essence, fired after 44 years of teaching and coaching at the school.
For starters, where was the respect for a man who has been a faithful servant of that institution since the 1960s?
Why couldn’t the administration sit down with Goorman and negotiate an amiable parting of the ways? Instead, the hammer came down, no questions asked.
The longtime Warriors’ coach said he was “blindsided” when informed by principal Doug Doty that he would not be coming back as one of the school’s athletic directors and he was being relieved of his coaching duties after a successful 33-year career as the boys varsity basketball coach.
Local Sports Journal attempted three times to contact Doty and phone calls were not returned. School board president Scott Meyers was reached via cell phone, but he refused to comment, saying he preferred not to discuss personnel issues.
That’s fine.
Both Doty and Meyers have the right to offer “no comment” but wouldn’t you think they’d want the school’s constituents to be informed of their reasoning behind their decision? The decision has been made, now explain your reasoning. Don’t just brush it under a rock and think that everything is all right.
This was a perfect opportunity for Doty to back up his action, but he chose not to. Word has been leaking out to WMC parents and players. I’m certain his phone has been ringing off the hook and the inbox of his email might be busting at the seams.
He chose not to even offer Goorman the respect of the old company line. Something like: “We thank Jim Goorman for all his years of service to Western Michigan Christian High School.
Nope. Not a word.
Why do coaches get fired?
Losing year after year after year? Does not apply in this case. Five state titles, including three straight in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Add to that his induction into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame last fall and you can see what kind of respect Goorman has from his peers across the state.
His peers have high respect for him, but the WMC administration doesn’t.
What about complaints from parents? It does happen, but if school administrators caved in every time they had a complaint from a parent, athletic directors would constantly be searching for new coaches. Most complaints come from disgruntled parents who want to get in a parting shot on the coach who didn’t give their child enough playing time.
I’ve been hearing rumbles about this situation for several weeks. I’ve heard the rumors and I’ve talked to Goorman about it more than once.
He is devastated. He’s given so much yet, in return, he gets shown the door.
Hopefully, school administrators will at least attempt to “make good” of a mishandled situation.
But then again, I’m guessing it’s too late for that.
Ron Rop is a contributing writer for the Local Sports Journal who has covered Muskegon area sports for more than 31 years. He is a 1980 graduate of Western Michigan Christian High School.
The word a** clowns comes to mind …sorry. just sayin
Once again I will say that a wrong has been done to a man who was an example of what WMC stood for and was an ambassador of Christian education. Not only did this man publicly encourage alumni to give their kids a Christian education but he encouraged others outside of the Christian school experience to enroll their kids here and discover the blessings for themselves and their kids. Apparently one particular so-called incident is being held against a man that the school would like to sweep under the rug to save their image.This incident would never have occurred if more timely discipline would have been used in the first place. The administration should have taken more responsibility and not used Jim Goorman as a scapegoat.
Well said, Ropper. The administration should man up and answer some questions.
Good luck getting Doug Doty and the "officials" at WMC to respond fairly and respectfully. It is my experience that Doug tends to get rid of people and students on a whim!
The school administration also tends to stick their heads in the sand and threaten staff and students that have an opinion of their own and disagree with the school board and Doug Doty.
Ron, you nailed it my fiend! After thinking about it for the 24 hr rule since I found out…I AM DISGUSTED BY THE WMC ADMINISTRATORS! Cowards come to mind…
Randy, I agree. There has been no bigger ambassador for WMC than Jim Goorman. Here is a man who has displayed respect, generousity and integrity throughout his career. A man who put others before himself. A man, who without asking, is seen to display the Christian faith. In my book, you can't find a better teacher, mentor, or coach who has those qualities. It's too bad WMC administration had to take such a cowardly approach, instead of reciprocating the due respect this man deserves.
What a gift Gorman was and still is
What a joke. There aren't many nicer people than Mr. Goorman out there. What a sad day in the history of WMC. To the school board and administration SHAME on you. As sad as it is, it's not a huge shock to me. Preaching ethics and integrity yet showing none = being a hypocrite and that's one of the worst things one can be.
Couldn't have said it better myself Mr. Rop. Keep pushing for a comment from Doty. He needs to step up to the plate. He also needs to learn a little about the history of the school and Mr. Goorman. Write again when you get some answers. Thanks for the opinion!
Jerrell, You are truly an IDIOT.
lol im too classy to respond to your peasant ignorant comment. Im far from a idiot I just feel that it's a great idea to let people know a possible reasoning to why he got let go. Im fully aware that this article may make you feel uncomfortable because it has truthful facts thats based from a video tape but that doesn't give you any reason to call me names. Idk maybe if you were college educated and lived in a area that has a higher level of knowledge circulating you would appreciate this article and add this information into your thought process. And also if your were truly a CHRISTIAN you wouldn't chose to respond the way you did. Christian are supposed to carry themselves with honor, respect, and dignity. I am actually embarrassed that they would let someone like you with vulgar disrespectful language into such a fine institution. When I went to WMC we carried ourselves like warriors and walked amongst Muskegon County like intelligent champions. Unfortunately I think that it missed you for some strange reason. But anyway you have a blessed day and I hope the Lord forgives you for your disrespectful sins. Im going to continue studying because I have a bright future that Im striving to reach.
WMC Class of 2008
I've known Jim for years. When I think of Jim I think of: respectful, respected, religious, class, caring, hard working, durable and loyal. Did I say LOYAL? Not just loyal to W.M.C. but loyal to every young man that worked with him. Many fathers wish their son's could have been coached by Jim.