by Brian Turrel
In an unexpected move, the Piper school district has decided not to renew the contract of head football coach Rick Pollard.
The well-regarded coach held a 21-19 record in his four seasons with the Pirates, including 7-4 and a regional championship in the 2021 season. This week he had been announced as a member of the coaching staff for the 2022 Kansas Shrine Bowl.
Pollard was informed of the decision Tuesday afternoon, and word spread quickly through the Piper football players and their families, many of whom reacted with shock and disappointment.
Junior quarterback Logan Ladish, in a social media statement, said, “I believe [the decision] was selfish and unnecessary in every way possible.”
Junior lineman Camden Beebe, also via social media, said, “We are saddened by the decision regarding the future of the Piper football program. Coach Pollard had this team going in the right direction. Winning our first regional championship since 2014 was only the start.”
Messages to the high school and district administration requesting comment were not returned.
These kids have a right to know why he is not being given a contract.
It’s very sad that we would finally get a Coach want to stay long term to build a program. Piper is a stepping stone for most they stay a year or two and leave for a bigger school. To work with the youth like he does to build a program and because of selfish reasons he was tagged to be removed. Funny how he can Coach Track still and teach special Ed but he is not allowed to Coach Football. Small town politics is a sad sad thing that impacts the kids. Just truly truly disappointed in our Administration all around on this!!!!