ARCHBOLD WEATHER

Miller Resigns As Head Football Coach; Dominique Hired

Inappropriate Comments To Players Preceed Resignation




Bryan Miller

Bryan Miller

Bryan Miller, former head football coach at Archbold High School, chose to resign his coaching job after making inappropriate comments to the team.

The Blue Streaks played a scrimmage against Edgerton, Tuesday, Aug. 11. Reports say the Streaks did not play well in the scrimmage.

Aaron Rex, Archbold superintendent, said during Miller’s post-scrimmage address to the team, Miller made inappropriate comments to the players.

“There are various versions of the story, but all (versions indicate the comments Miller made) were inappropriate.”

Rex said he and Miller spoke later that day, and Miller decided to resign.

Rex said Miller was not asked to resign.

Miller, head coach since 2009, opted to resign from the post effective that day.

In a prepared statement, Miller said, “Serving as the head football coach at Archbold High School has been a tremendous experience.

“That being said, serving as the head coach can be an all-consuming task that can drain you pretty fast.

David Dominique

David Dominique

“I very much regret the timing, but at this time, I feel it is best for myself personally and for our players for me to step down.”

Rex said Miller was paid $6,660 as head football coach.

Replacement

After officially accepting Miller’s resignation at the Monday, Aug. 17 school board meeting, the board approved hiring David Dominique for the head coach position.

Dominique has been an AHS assistant coach since 2012, working with linebackers and running backs.

He is a 2009 AHS graduate, and was a four-year football letterman, playing linebacker and running back.

He is the son of Andy and Ann Dominique.

He attended Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sports training. He later earned his teaching license for grades 7- 12 integrated science.

He did his student teaching at Archbold, Rex said.

Dave Schultz, principal at Stryker Local Schools, confirmed that Dominique is starting his first year of teaching. Dominique will teach science in grades 7-12.

Schultz agreed being a first-year teacher can be difficult; taking over a football program adds to the stress.

“If anybody out there can take on both roles and be successful, it’s him,” Schultz said.

Rex said Dominique will be paid $4,451 to coach the Blue Streaks.

“The difference (between Miller’s coaching pay and Dominique’s) is based on years of experience,” Rex said.

Expedited

Rex said due to Miller tendering his resignation at the beginning of the season, and the fact that a head coach was needed the next morning, there were “extenuating circumstances,” and the normal hiring process was not followed in selecting Dominique.

Rex said he met with Kent Vandock, school district vocal music director and president of the Archbold Education Association.

The AEA represents district teachers and certified staff in labor negotiations with the Archbold School Board.

Rex and Vandock talked about the hiring procedure.

Rex also spoke with Allan Gladieux, AHS athletic director.

In addition, Rex said he kept the school board informed about the situation.

Rex said the head football coach position will be posted and open for applications at the end of the football season.

Miller Remains

Miller, who teaches seventh and eighth grade history at the middle school, did not resign from his teaching position, Rex said.

Miller has never had a problem in his role as a classroom teacher, the superintendent said.

“I have observed his class numerous times, and I’ve done Junior Achievement in his class. He’s never had an issue within the classroom,” Rex said.

“He’s an effective teacher in the classroom.”


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