Mainland Regional Superintendent Mark Marrone
Mainland Regional High School Superintendent Mark Marrone issued a response to questions surrounding recent changes to the baseball coaching staff and the ongoing investigation into a team trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C.
"The district is committed to transparency in communicating operational changes affecting our athletic programs and our students," read a statement sent to BreakingAC on Wednesday.
What has been called "the incident in Myrtle Beach," coaches allegedly left team members in their hotel rooms and went to an adult venue, numerous sources previously told BreakingAC.
Marrone again stressed in his statement Wednesday that no students were involved.
"No students are the subject of district investigations related to the team trip," he wrote. "No students are alleged to have engaged in any wrongdoing. The district's review focuses on coaching staff conduct and compliance with district policies."
Marrone said none of the parents who accompanied the team are subjects of the investigation or district concern.
Rumors posted online that allege student involvement seem to be some who have confused news reports on Mainland's baseball team with those concerning the Pennsylvania College of Technology baseball team's trip to Myrtle Beach that led to their season ending.
"Our athletes deserve to be in an environment where they are safe, respected and supported to achieve both on and off the field," Marrone said. "When concerns are brought to our attention, we take them seriously and respond with the thoroughness they require. (Athletic Director Billy) Kern's immediate availability to stabilize the program ensures continuity and stability for our players, and I'm confident in his leadership and commitment to our athletes."
Kern, a former baseball coach, has taken over the team while the search begins for a new full-time leader to replace Joe Smith, who stepped down Saturday.
Marrone addressed parents during a meeting Monday, during which he announced a total of three coaches had resigned, including Brian Hatz and Walter Kuemmerle.
It was not clear whether Hatz still was working as a teacher at the school.
Marrone did not name the other coaches in Wednesday's statement.
"We do not comment publicly on personnel matters beyond what is necessary to communicate operational updates," he said. "Any staffing decisions made by the district are handled with careful attention to confidentiality, due process, and all applicable state and federal regulations."
A volunteer coach also was removed on Friday, but came to the school later that day and to Saturday's practice, where Marrone confronted him, and later apologized to parents and students for how he responded.
Marrone denied physically attacking the coach, but did say he tore off the man's hat, because he had not earned it.
BreakingAC has confirmed that volunteer is Michael Sciubba. Witnesses saw his photo posted in the school, where security was told to keep him out..
Marrone's release reiterated that "the district became aware of specific concerns related to a recent team trip and has initiated a comprehensive review of those matters. This review is ongoing, and the district is committed to addressing any issues identified with the seriousness they deserve."
As he addressed parent privately, his public statement said "there has been no discovery of malfeasance or mismanagement of funds related to the program or the trip."
"Without getting into any details, there is not a monetary issue as to loss of funds from the booster group based on our investigation today."
The media attention related to the case has been negatively affected community engagement, Marrone said, "including participation in important fundraising opportunities, with the program."
"This has had an unintended impact on our student-athletes, who should not bear the consequences of adult actions," he said. “It is important to distinguish between the district’s responsibility to address concerns related to adult conduct and the strength, integrity, and character of our baseball program and players. Our student-athletes — especially our seniors — deserve to be supported, encouraged and allowed to focus on their season. We respectfully urge families and community members to come together in support of our players and to foster a positive, respectful environment moving forward.”
