Larsen says football program “moving along”

At Wednesday’s MUSD governing board meeting Athletic Director Mike Larsen updated the board on the athletic department, specifically the search for the MHS football coach.

“I know you have questions about how we’re moving along on the football program,” Larsen told the board members. He outlined the Rams Strength Camp program, which began June 15 in the new weight room at the high school. Coaches are also holding Thursday evening preparations for actual play, both offense and defense.

Larsen added that a master planning schedule for sports, school breaks, testing and finals is being constructed. A new booster club brochure has been developed, equipment inventories for all sports are being completed, and summer sports camps for soccer, volleyball and softball are underway.

“I want justifiable deadlines. I want equipment to be here before the season starts. I don’t want them (athletes) walking into a season without everything they need,” said board member Carrie Vargas.

“In April it was determined that a new football coach was needed. I’m at a loss why we weren’t offering a contract to somebody,” said Vargas.

Larsen admitted that five viable candidates have been interviewed for the coaching position. The delay, he said, stemmed from a district hiring freeze and finding a classroom fit for the coaching candidates, some of whom had experienced a RIF in another district and were hoping to be rehired.

“When you go out and look for coaches, you develop a pool,” Larsen explained. “You have to identify the teaching positions that are available, and you have to develop that fit. The dynamics of this have been very interesting.”

Given the concern expressed by athletes and parents at the last board meeting, Larsen noted that we’re “making every effort to communicate with stakeholders with regard to progress we’re making in our programs.”

“We have an out-of-state candidate next week that we’re very high on,” Larsen announced. “He would be a great fit for Maricopa.”

“I’m looking forward to two weeks from now when I can introduce you to the new football coach,” said Larsen.

Photo by Joyce Hollis