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Why would Robertson leave Springfield for Oakwood? It’s personal
OAKWOOD - Let’s be blunt. Why would Rick Robertson resign as the head football coach at emerging D-I power Springfield High School to take over at Oakwood?
From a purely athletic spin - let alone a drop to D-IV - that makes no sense.
“And I’m sure it will be that way for the majority of the public,” Robertson said on Thursday after landing the Lumberjacks job.
The answer: It’s personal.
Robertson’s wife Carol has been afflicted with multiple sclerosis since his days as Fairmont’s athletic director. Rick, 56, is a full-time spousal caregiver. He resigned from teaching at Springfield in March and has been on unpaid medical leave since.
The Robertsons still reside in Kettering, only minutes from Oakwood’s Mack Hummon Field.
“The situation with my wife, that’s really the driving factor about this,” Robertson said.
“(Oakwood) is a five-minute drive from my house. It’s a win-win situation for my wife and a win for Oakwood in getting a veteran coach.”
Robertson has been a head coach a combined 22 seasons at Springfield North, Fairmont and Springfield. He also was Fairmont’s AD for 11 years.
“Our student/athletes will not only acquire a tremendous amount of football knowledge, they will learn valuable life lessons from him,” said Oakwood AD Mark Hughes.
Oakwood’s entire coaching staff resigned following the resignation of veteran coach Paul Stone last month. Robertson hopes to lure some of those coaches back and land available coaching buddies.
Springfield’s loss is Oakwood’s gain.
“It was a surprise,” Springfield AD Mark Stoll said. “Anytime you lose a coach of his magnitude it’s a surprise.
“I was aware of his family situation. It’s an opportunity for him to coach right there near his home.”
Robertson’s resignation was a double-whammy for Springfield. Earlier this week girls varsity basketball coach Wynette Carter also resigned.
“It’s been a busy week to say the least,” said Stoll.
Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment | Categories: New football coach
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By Eli
April 14, 2011 8:10 PM | Link to this
Good for Rick. He’s a great coach and even better family guy. Maybe he can get an exchange program going to get some of the Springfield athletes to Oakwood to give the program some speed.
By D3
April 14, 2011 8:42 PM | Link to this
He didn’t want to play in the GWOC any more. Northmont, Wayne & Miamisburg is too tough for him.
By WHAT
April 15, 2011 8:38 AM | Link to this
Eli - WHAT??????????
By LOL
April 15, 2011 10:02 AM | Link to this
I have lived in Miamisburg since 1984. If Miamisburg is too tough for him, he is in real trouble; maybe he should be coaching pee-wee. Miamisburg is the land of ineffective football coaches and rampant cronyism. It’s embarrassing. Surely D3 is thinking of another team. I do send best wishes to Mr. Robertson and his wife, though.
By player
April 15, 2011 11:41 AM | Link to this
I played for coach robertson and he’s a great coach. He teaches great lessons about football and life. I enjoyed him as a coach while I played and have nothing but good things to say about him.I’m sure he’ll do a great job at Oakwood. Good luck to him and Oakwood.
By Dr. Real
April 15, 2011 11:42 AM | Link to this
Great move for Coach. As a coach matures, he realizes certain things pertaining to his life and their importance. Moving to Oakwood HS completes (firms up) these wishes.
By Charley
April 15, 2011 3:13 PM | Link to this
As an Oakwood grad I couldn’t be more thrilled. I was a manager for the football team at Oakwood and at Hanover College when Rick played there for Coach Rick Carter. Obviously a lot of Coach Carter has rubbed off on Rick. I think Oakwood has some great years in football coming up.
By D3
April 15, 2011 4:53 PM | Link to this
I did mean Miamisburg. Look for a playoff run next year. They are loaded!
By mik
April 19, 2011 3:54 PM | Link to this
Hurry Oakwood, Shut the front door! Oh I’m sorry for you, now it’s too late. There are people that back your new football coach but I also know there are MANY more that don’t. It’s not politically correct to describe your new man. I’m sorry for the children.
By samson
April 22, 2011 5:44 PM | Link to this
He is trying to get away from idiots like D3!!! A successful season for miamisburg football is IF they happen to beat WC!! lmao
By D3
April 23, 2011 6:56 AM | Link to this
samson, you’ll see. The Burg is loaded top to bottom. My guess is 12-1 at worse. Maybe not state title but deep run in playoffs. This is only the start. They should be 10 plus wins for the next 3-4 years.
By DUH3
April 23, 2011 10:25 PM | Link to this
D3, it should be “Northmont, Wayne & Miamisburg ARE too tough”, not is? No doubt loaded not in the classroom. Wait until you have actually won something before you talk too much smack, I know it’s uncharted territory.
By Bob
April 26, 2011 4:33 PM | Link to this
Go EZ on D3. We know him. He has a drinking problem.
By Oakwood Alum
June 7, 2011 11:55 AM | Link to this
I’m excited that Coach Robertson decided to coach at Oakwood. With his guidance, we will do very well in the future. Go ‘Jacks!