UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Grant Woodman, the highly respected coach of the Carson City-Crystal Area Schools cross country and track teams, has officially resigned, citing ongoing issues with Superintendent John Sattler. The school board accepted his resignation in a unanimous 6-0 vote on November 13, 2023, marking the end of Woodman’s impactful 14-year tenure.
Woodman, a graduate of CC-C High School, expressed his frustrations regarding recent changes made to the cross country program that he described as “the last straw.” He stated that the split of the boys’ and girls’ teams was a significant factor behind his decision to step down. “I was told I was the 6-12 boys coach and now I was taking on middle school cross country coaching duties as well,” Woodman explained. “We’re a Division 4 school, and there were only four girls and seven boys at the varsity level. To split them was counterproductive.”
The resignation comes amidst a backdrop of upheaval in the district, with Sattler recently reallocating principal duties from one employee to the athletic director, an action taken without school board approval. This has raised eyebrows among board members and the community, prompting questions about the superintendent’s leadership style.
Woodman has been a vital part of the Eagle athletic program, leading the boys to state championships in both cross country and track. His coaching career at CC-C began in 2012, and during his tenure, he also served as a counselor in the district. Recently, he transitioned to counsel at Fulton Schools, but he felt compelled to resign amid the turmoil surrounding the athletic department.
Board members expressed their dismay at Woodman’s departure during the meeting, with Trustee Matthew Barker emphasizing the loss for the school district. “He was a great coach. We can’t let those guys go,” Barker lamented. Another board member, Ryan Lankford, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of stability in coaching for the development of student-athletes.
In a letter to the school board, Woodman noted, “I feel that the goals for the program and the athletes I have coached have, in large part, been achieved and I think now is the right time to move on.” His resignation reflects a broader concern about the administration’s direction, particularly regarding athletic programs.
The situation raises critical questions about the future of CC-C’s athletic programs as turnover among coaches has become a recurring theme. Previous coaches, including Tim Swore and Travis Wilcox, also departed under contentious circumstances involving Sattler.
Woodman’s resignation is particularly impactful given the recent hiring of Patrick McCarty Jr. as the new varsity girls’ track coach, which Woodman felt was part of a troubling trend of administrative changes that undermine team cohesion. “It was a decision made way above me,” he stated, referring to the split teams that left him feeling sidelined.
As the district navigates this upheaval, Board President Mark Jensen is reportedly unconcerned about the turnover, stating, “I think we’re at a good spot,” despite the evident discontent among staff. He mentioned that Sattler’s focus remains on educational priorities over athletics, which could be contributing to the coaching instability.
With Woodman now positioned to accept a coaching role at Fulton, the CC-C community must grapple with the implications of his resignation. The athletic program’s future hangs in the balance, and parents and students alike are left wondering who will step into this pivotal role.
As this story develops, the community is urged to remain engaged, as the impacts of this leadership change will ripple through the CC-C athletic program for years to come. The board’s decisions and Sattler’s approach will be closely scrutinized as stakeholders seek a resolution to the issues raised by Woodman’s resignation.
