By Dan King
Despite being terminated as the varsity football coach, Justin Culligan still wants to coach in Whitehall.
Culligan has applied to be the varsity track and field coach for the upcoming spring season. The embattled former football coach, who also teaches U.S. history and government, said he applied for the position in December, after some persuasion.
“I have coached track for 10 years and have seen these kids come up through the program since seventh grade,” he said. “Many have asked me to reapply and my reapplying has to do with their dedication. I still love coaching and I still love the community of Whitehall.”
Culligan had previously mentioned the dedication and support he had received from the community during the week-long stretch of his termination as football coach back in October. The community held two rallies demanding Culligan be reinstated as head football coach, ultimately to no avail.
This is the first indicator that Culligan still has interest in coaching in Whitehall. After being terminated as football coach, he did not apply for any winter coaching positions.
The saga of Culligan’s coaching career at Whitehall dates back to July, when the Board of Education voted against reappointing Culligan as football coach. The board eventually reversed its decision at an emergency meeting, just prior to the start of the fall season.
Then a scuffle-marred game against Rensselaer on Oct. 18 sparked the board to terminate Culligan during its Oct. 20 regular scheduled meeting by a 9-0 vote.
“Foul language” was cited as the cause of Culligan’s termination; however, there was no mention of what Culligan said, when it was said, or who it was said to.
The Board of Education initially planned on making decisions regarding spring coaches last week at its regular scheduled meeting, as the topic was included on the agenda. However, since three board members – Frank Barber, Virginia Rivette and Amy Austin – were absent, the board decided to table the matter until a special meeting next Monday.
Culligan will be one of many coaches up for reappointment or appointment by the board.
Jason Hoagland has reapplied for the varsity baseball position, after winning a league title last season. Tim Martindale has applied to be an unpaid assistant to Hoagland, Shane Jones has applied to be the JV coach and Keith Redmond has applied to be the modified coach.
Lorinda Huntington has applied to be an unpaid assistant for the varsity track and field team and Amanda Mazza has applied for the modified track position.
Pam Putorti has applied to be varsity softball coach, Christine Hoagland has applied for the modified position, and Megan Badger has applied to be an unpaid assistant to Hoagland. Currently nobody has applied for the JV position with that program.
Lastly, Neil Molinero has applied for the varsity tennis position, with nobody coming forth to apply for the modified spot.