East Central football coach, athletic director Travis Hill resigns
BY KELLY HINES World Sports Writer
Saturday, December 17, 2011
12/17/11 at 4:33 AM
East Central athletic director and football coach Travis Hill resigned Friday amid an ongoing investigation by Tulsa Public Schools, a district spokesman said.
Hill, who had been at his alma mater since 1998, was suspended with pay this week, TPS superintendent Keith Ballard confirmed Friday morning. The reason was not disclosed.
A decision regarding Hill's employment status was going to be made within 10 days, but Hill approached Ballard on Friday afternoon and said he wanted to resign, TPS spokesman Chris Payne said.
Hill also resigned from his teaching position. Ballard said no other comment could be made regarding the investigation, citing employee confidentiality.
When reached by telephone Friday night, Hill said he couldn't comment on his resignation or the investigation.
Hill graduated from East Central in 1980 and spent 10 seasons as an assistant coach at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.
He had a career record of 128-35 at East Central and led the Cardinals to the Class 5A championship in 2005. They finished 10-2 this season and advanced to the state quarterfinals.
No interim athletic director has been announced.
It is unknown whether Hill's suspension and resignation are related to the scandal involving TPS' athletic department.
Athletic director Stephanie Spring and assistant directors Jon Wheeler and Latricia Pruitt were suspended a month ago. They reportedly disclosed they accessed a secretary's personal email account using a password they found in her office, according to a letter from campus police to Tulsa police.
Spring remains suspended, and Steve Mayfield, executive assistant to the associate superintendent of secondary schools, has replaced her on an interim basis.
Meanwhile, termination proceedings have begun for Wheeler. Pruitt has since returned to work.
The secretary, Cheryl Murphy, was fired Monday after a due process hearing. Administrators testified she failed to report to work for new assignments she was given in August and September.
Original Print Headline: Hill steps down at EC
Kelly Hines 918-581-8452
kelly.hines@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
East Central football coach Travis Hill paces the sideline earlier this season. Hill, also the school's athletic director, resigned on Friday after earlier being suspended with pay. CORY YOUNG/Tulsa World
Decision
Keith Ballard: Tulsa Public Schools superintendent said East Central's Travis Hill had been suspended with pay before resigning.
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