by Brent Hovey
Reporter
Aurora -- In the same week a replacement was named for himself, Aurora schools Athletic Director Dick Bliss learned he will have to find new coaches for the boys and girls varsity basketball teams.
Dave Munson resigned as boys coach after four years and Ken Mitroff announced he will not return to the girls squad after three years.
Both are teachers at the high school and plan to stay in their positions. Munson added he has not ruled out coaching somewhere else next year.
Swimming coach Cathy Lawson had announced at the end of the winter season that she also would step down.
Bliss, who himself will retire as AD but plans to return as wrestling coach, said he knew Mitroff wasn't going to return a couple of weeks ago, but was thrown off by Munson's decision.
"I was a little big surprised," he said. "I know Dave has a real passion for the sport."
Munson and Mitroff both said it was "just time to move on."
"It's been great," said Mitroff, who also coached the team for a six-year stretch in the 1990s. "The kids are absolutely wonderful, the administration is very supportive. It was just time.
"We won nine games my first year, then eight and last year only four. I didn't like that direction, and the kids deserve more.
"Great kids are coming up, it's a great place to be and they now have the option to bring someone in to give the girls a fresh look and get them going in a new direction. That's what they need."
Munson went out after his best season, as the team finished 14-7. He called a meeting April 23 to tell his players about his decision.
"IT WAS A great opportunity and privilege to coach these kids," Munson said. "They were wonderful, committed to the program, and gave everything to it. I couldn't have asked for a better group. It's just the right time to move on.
"I feel I moved the program forward in the four years I was here, and I'm very proud of what we accomplished."
Munson goes out with the same class he in came in with. It is a basketball- talented class of Johnny Trew, Dave Marusic, Shane Gannon, Andrew Knapp and Chris Buoncore.
"I was blessed to have a great senior class," Munson said. "They're a great group of young men and were the key to our success."
The Aurora Board of Education accepted the two coaches' resignations at its April 28 meeting. At the same time, it named Paul Powers as Bliss' successor as athletic director.
Before Bliss can retire, he will have to find new coaches. In addition to boys and girls basketball, a new swimming coach is needed.
After the past season, Kathy Lawson made it known she wouldn't return next year.
Bliss said officials already have begun the search by posting the openings on the district's Web site.
"If there is good news here, it's that we have not yet filled all the teaching positions available," said Bliss.
"Several teaching candidates and current teachers have expressed an interest in coaching. We have the ability and desire to bring someone in for teaching and coaching."
E-mail: bhovey@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3115