06/15/06

By Rich Suwanski

Messenger-Inquirer

 

Troy Pendley, whose Owensboro Catholic High School baseball team won 68 percent of its games, was asked to resign as head coach by principal Harold Staples on Monday.

Pendley said the reasons Staples gave were "vague" but wouldn't elaborate.

"I'm in the dark why they wanted me out," said Pendley, who said he'd submit his resignation and wouldn't "draw blood." "It'll be amicable. I don't want to stay where I'm not wanted. I'll go with class."

Pendley, 45, said he was called into a meeting Monday and thought the 2006 season would be discussed. Instead, Staples asked him to resign.

"I didn't expect it," Pendley said. "It was a complete surprise."

Staples was unavailable for comment.

During Pendley's six-year stint, the Aces had a 136-68 record, winning a 9th District championship (2005), two 3rd Region titles (2004 and '05), a semi-state tournament (2005) and reaching the quarterfinals of the state tournament (2005). Catholic also won the 2005 "All-A" Tournament.

Catholic entered postseason play ranked third in the state, but the Aces were stunned 7-3 by Owensboro (8-22) in the first round of the 9th District Tournament.

"I brought the program to where it is. Why would I want to resign?" he said.

 

Catholic star pitcher Justin Marks, who signed with the University of Louisville and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox last week, said Pendley might have made decisions that were unpopular in some circles, but he was fair and never abusive.

"He was one of the best coaches I had," Marks said. "I had no problems with his techniques or teaching (methods).

"He's an in-your-face coach, but he controlled himself. He never lost his cool. He'll get mad and raise his voice, but that's how you have to get through to some kids. He's not violent or anything."

Marks added that a coach can't be "soft" and allow "anybody to do anything they wanted to."

"Everybody wants more playing time, and some people thought they should play more," Marks said. "Coach played the best people. If that meant he started a sophomore over a senior, it was because the sophomore was playing better. But he gave everybody the opportunity to play."

 

I'm surprised by this. IMO Catholic owes everything to Coach Pendley for their success. Prior to his arrivial they were the doormat of the 9th district. Before seeding everyone hoped to draw Catholic which was almost as good as a bye into the 3rd Region Tournament.

 

I heard rumors regarding this several days ago.

Sorry to hear as well. I just hope meddling parents, didn't have any input to his ouster.

 

Sometimes the expectations, can be met but there is no shame, losing a game of high school baseball. Good luck Coach Marks and to the Catholic program.

Can you provide us a link to the article?

Can you provide us a link to the article?

 

Nope, not unless you want to pay to see it. I hate the Messenger Inquirer's new policy. I found the article posted somewhere else in it's entirity, but I know thats not allowed here, so I just quoted some of the highlights.

06/15/06

By Rich Suwanski

Messenger-Inquirer

 

 

 

 

 

I'm surprised by this. IMO Catholic owes everything to Coach Pendley for their success. Prior to his arrivial they were the doormat of the 9th district. Before seeding everyone hoped to draw Catholic which was almost as good as a bye into the 3rd Region Tournament.

 

I heard rumors regarding this several days ago.

 

 

Wow, that is an impressive record....the expectations down there must be unbelievably high.

Seeing as how he had state runner-up finishes like every other coach at Owensboro Catholic the past five years, I'm surprised at this. Sounds like a political agenda. Can you believe that one???

Nope, not unless you want to pay to see it. I hate the Messenger Inquirer's new policy. I found the article posted somewhere else in it's entirity, but I know thats not allowed here, so I just quoted some of the highlights.

 

:thumb: