How to nominate a high school athlete for Champion Chevrolet Athlete of the Week
Want to nominate a high school athlete for Champion Chevrolet Athlete of the Week? Here’s how!
Less than a year after being hired, Galena fired baseball coach Mark Saake on Wednesday.
Saake told the RGJ he did not leave on his own, but was forced out after an anonymous complaint from a parent.
Saake wrote to the RGJ: “An anonymous parent complained about the direction they thought I was taking the program this fall. The principal let me know he has decided to go in a different direction, coaching-wise.”
Saake said it stemmed from parents feeling there was undue pressure to participate in the Grizzlies fall baseball workout program.
“Today Principal Salter let me know he has made the decision not to bring me back as the baseball coach at Galena this year,” Saake wrote. “He received a complaint from one or more parents feeling that I was putting undue pressure on players to participate in our fall workout program, and he felt it was a violation of the rules. That was not my intention, but for those that raised the issue, I apologize your son felt that way.”
On Thursday morning a petition was on Change.org seeking to re-instate Saake. It had 21 signatures by 10 a.m.
The petition reads, in part:
“The head coach at my son’s high school was peremptorily dismissed, we believe unjustifiably, and we’re fighting to get him reinstated. Coach Saake is not just a coach; he is a leader of young men and a role model in the community. The baseball program at Galena High School has experienced significant upheaval recently, and removing Coach Saake only contributes to the instability we are trying to overcome. His dismissal does not align with the values and standards that should guide decisions in educational and extracurricular settings.”Coach Saake has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering not only athletic excellence but also character development among our young athletes. His influence extends beyond the field as he embodies mentorship, respect, and community spirit. Many players and parents have expressed their admiration for his dedication and ability to inspire students. The decision to remove him seems unfounded given his track record and the positive impact he has had on the lives of many students.”
Galena principal Jay Salter sent an email out to families on Wednesday: “As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our athletes updated we want you all to be aware that Coach Saake is no longer with Galena.
“We understand the importance of stability and leadership for our student-athletes, and we remain committed supporting the team during this transition. A formal search for the next head varsity baseball coach will begin shortly, and we will work diligently to identify a candidate who reflects the values of our school community and is dedicated to fostering excellence both on and off the field.”
Saake to continue coaching in area
Saake, who grew up in Fallon, said he intends to stay in the Reno area. He’s a fifth-generation Nevadan.
“As for me, many of you know I am a man of faith and that I believe that God is intricately involved in our lives,” Saake wrote to parents. “He opened the door for my time here at Galena, and as this door closes, I know that He has another plan for me.
“Please know I am here for your boys even as my time closes here at the school. If there is ever anything I can do for them, they just need to reach out and let me know. That goes for not only their baseball activities, but anything in life. As always, it has been about them, both individually and as a group. As most of you know, I had planned on running the Forest program in the fall, both for the high school and the middle school players, to keep kids playing and progressing in baseball. With my time at Galena coming to a close, I’m not sure what that means for the Forest program, as I’m obviously not part of the program going forward. I will be reaching out to the Forest coaching staff to get their thoughts and will let you know as information becomes available.”
The Grizzlies finished 16-12 oveall last season, 9-7 in league and won two games in the Class 5A-North Regional tournament.
Galena had hired Saake last October to take over the baseball program.