South Meck’s longtime boys basketball coach won’t return next season
After 16 years coaching boys basketball at South Mecklenburg High School, John Fitch told the Observer he will not return next season.
Fitch, 60, has coached at the school for 16 years, the last 11 as head coach. Fitch, who recently retired from an insurance job, said the school’s administration told him they want all head coaches to be full-time teachers or administrators. Fitch said placing him on staff was discussed but an agreement couldn’t be reached.
South Mecklenburg athletic director Jose Garcia did not return a call from the Observer.
“It’s hard to walk away,” Fitch said. “I just love it. I love what I’m doing and I wish I had gotten into it sooner. I love the kids over there and I do want to thank South Mecklenburg and former principal Dr. (Maureen) Furr and (former AD) Kevin Hinson over there for giving me the opportunity to do this.”
Fitch graduated from South Mecklenburg in 1978. He played on the Sabres’ 1976 state championship team before playing for Bobby Cremins at Appalachian State.
Fitch said he hoped to continue coaching.
“I was really surprised at how much I loved it,” he said. “It’s cool coaching in the public system from the standpoint that you’ve got to coach what you get and it’s fun to see these kids get better, and the impact you can have on their lives. I still have great relationships with the kids. I’ve got kids coming back to games all the time; kids married with kids now themselves.
“I didn’t know it was this rewarding. I got more from it than they did.”
