Superintendent Reveals Plan for New Coach

North Canton City Schools officials plan to have a new Hoover High girls basketball coach in place by the end of the month, Superintendent Michael Gallina said.

The position opened April 30, when former coach . Vick's announcement arrived about a week after he made a racially insensitive joke at the team's banquet, with Gallina in attendance.

Gallina said the the job posting will remain open through Monday. After that, Athletic Director Don Shimek and Hoover Principal Tony Pallija will organize an interview team to meet with candidates as early as mid-week.

The superintendent said the district will look for a few, key qualities in its search for a new coach.

"They'll want to be able to nurture leadership in young women," Gallina said. "(The new coach will) nurture competitiveness and excellence. Be able to build a program from the youth end of it, all the way through to the relationships with boosters, parents and the community."

Gallina added the new coach should be ready for high expectations on the court. In two seasons, Vick led the Vikings to two 19-win seasons.

A comment like the one Vick made at the banquet typically isn't a fireable offense, Gallina said. Still, the superintendent alluded to other issues during Vick's time with the district.

Asked if Vick would have faced termination if he hadn't resigned, Gallina replied: "Because Mr. Vick turned in his resignation letter, we didn't have to get to the point beyond that.

"However, in his final evaluation conference, we would have addressed all of the issues throughout the year, and the one at the banquet, as well."