School Dismisses Nation’s Winningest Softball Coach

July 30, 2012 /
Iowa Prep Sports

http://iowaprepsports.com/2012/07/23/51689/

According to Chuck McDonnell, this wasn’t easy.

“There really was no nice way to end this,” the Cedar Rapids Jefferson principal said Monday of his decision to relieve Larry Niemeyer of his duties as the school’s softball coach. “Whether this was the best time to do it or not, I’ll have to live with that.”

McDonnell informed Niemeyer — the nation’s all-time winningest softball coach with 2,089 wins in 52 seasons — on Wednesday that it was time for a new direction.

“That day has to come sometime,” McDonnell said. “It was hard. But as you look at the whole program, we have six players who graduated this year. Next year is going to be a rebuilding year. This is a good a time as any, though we’ve got some great players to build around.

“In athletics, the first thing you have to consider is the athletes, then the program overall, then the coach. This decision was thought about more than just this year.”

Jefferson was 36-6 last season, winning the MVC Valley Division and compiling a 25-1 league mark. The J-Hawks advanced to the Class 5A regional finals before dropping a 2-1 decision to Davenport West.

Niemeyer, 74, won four state titles — the fall title in 1970 at Adel, and summer crowns at Jefferson in 1983, 1997 and 1998.

He missed about half of the 2012 season with health issues. His son, Nick, led the team when Larry was absent.

McDonnell said he “absolutely” would consider Nick Niemeyer for the head position if he applies.

“I hope what has happened doesn’t burn a bridge with Nick,” McDonnell said. “He’s been a valuable part of this program.”

Nick Niemeyer said Monday he was undecided about his intentions.

“I don’t know (if I’ll apply),” he said. “That’s all I’m going to say.”

McDonnell said he wants Niemeyer’s replacement to be someone who has experience, either as a head coach or an assistant.

Two facilitators within the school — Brian Erbe and Mike Kuba — both qualify.

Erbe was a softball assistant under Larry Niemeyer for 10 years. He has been the head coach at Cedar Rapids Xavier for the last 10, but missed much of last season after suffering a heart attack.

“I’m very happy coaching at Xavier,” Erbe said. “But I would be willing to listen (about the Jefferson vacancy).”

Kuba is Jefferson’s varsity baseball coach. His two daughters (Erin will be a freshman at Jefferson; Emily will be a sixth-grader) are heavily involved with softball.

“I’m really not at the point I’d want to say much about (coaching softball),” Kuba said.

McDonnell was asked to assess Niemeyer’s coaching legacy.

“It’s a career to be proud of, a career that Jefferson is proud of,” McDonnell said. “We are better off at Jefferson having Larry in our programs.”


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