Gerber resigns as EC girls basketball coach

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After 10 years in the program, Steven Gerber has resigned as the East Clinton varsity girls basketball coach, athletic director Jim Marsh said.

“He put in a lot of effort, a lot of commitment,” Marsh said.

Gerber was the reserve girls coach for five season and accumulated a 57-43 record.

As the varsity coach, Gerber and the Lady Astros were 22-89, which included a 7-16 record this season.

“This was not an easy decision by any stretch but one I felt was necessary,” said Gerber, who told the players in the program of his decision Wednesday m0rning. “Meeting with the kids was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Seeing how upset they were with this made it that much harder.”

Marsh said a “full, extensive search” will begin for the next varsity coach. A committee of community members, administrators and student-athletes will help in the screening process for the new coach.

“For 10 years, especially the last five, I’ve dedicated countless hours of time to that program,” said Gerber. “In the long run, that program is in a much better state than when I took over. But the kids sake and everybody’s sake, I don’t know that I could have given them what they needed. I’m one of those that if I can’t give 1000 percent of myself, I can’t ask a kid to do that.”

Gerber said the competition during his five years was the strongest in East Clinton history as a member of the South Central Ohio League. East Clinton will re-join the Southern Buckeye Athletic & Academic Conference next school year.

“I would like to thank my coaches and players for the opportunity to work with them and to all the administration and school board for giving me the opportunity to coach and work in the East Clinton school district,” Gerber said. “Also, I want to thank my family and friends for all of their unwavering love and support throughout my time.”

Gerber said “a change of direction for the kids and school might help” the program turn its record around.

“I didn’t get into this for the money. I got into this to help kids and I think I’ve done that,” said Gerber, a 2002 graduate of ECHS. “I can walk away knowing I gave it everything I could. There was nothing left for me to give in terms of energy and commitment. I can hold my head high and be proud of that.”

Steven Gerber
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/03/web1_EC_steven_gerber.jpgSteven Gerber Courtesy Photo | Downtown Photography

By Mark Huber

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