He said.
She said.
Everyone said.
That's what an unsubstantiated rumor is.
Now, here's some facts for you.
Tom Wildt has not resigned, or been fired as the Marietta High girls head basketball coach. He has had his evaluation, though - last Thursday - and it was not favorable.
"The principal and athletic director have rated my performanace as poor, and have not recommended me for re-hire," Wildt said. "Apparently, there's some angry parents, who don't believe I've done a good job.
"It's been said that I've left the kids at the school unsupervised, and that's not true. It's also been said that I haven't been involved in the middle school program, and that's not true, also."
Wildt has guided the MHS girls varsity team to two consecutive winning campaigns in his time at the Tigers helm. With the graduation of just one senior, next season has the potential of being a very promising one on the hardwood - at least on paper it does.
"My review last year was exceptional," Wildt said. "And, I haven't changed anything in the way I coach. I run a good program."
Wildt paused.
"I'm still confused on how Marietta High School operates after two years," he said.
A couple of years ago, Wildt succeeded longtime MHS girls basketball coach Mark Hannuksela, whose hoops contract was not renewed in a controversial move even after he was named the Southeastern Ohio Athletic League (SEOAL) Coach of the Year.
Hannuksela teaches at the high school. Wildt does not.
"You know, I had a parent come up to me before the first game of this season, and tell me 'we got rid of the last coach, and we'll be getting rid of you, too,'" Wildt said.
Deja vu all over again.
Wildt said that he would be talking with board president Jack Moberg Thursday. The Marietta Board of Education is not actually scheduled to meet until 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 27, at 111 Academy Drive.
"Nothing is official, yet, and it (recommendation) is not a done deal," Wildt said. "And, that's why I'm going to the board with it."
Thing is, is a reversal on a recommendation to the board that common?
Stay tuned.
Ron Johnston is the Marietta Times sports editor, and can be reached at 376-5441, or at rjohnston@mariettatimes.com
