Grayslake keeps Moe on basketball sideline

Grayslake Central High School's head boys varsity basketball coach will return for the 2009-10 season, despite pleas from some supporters to rehire a man who previously led the team.

Brian Moe replaced Timothy Bowen as the Rams' hoops leader for the 2008-09 season. Bowen was dropped from his Grayslake Central boys basketball coaching job in June 2008, although stayed on as a science teacher.

Grayslake High School District 127 board members last week voted in favor of keeping Moe in the post for the next academic year. Bowen didn't appear on any recommendations for coaching or club sponsorships, District 127 Superintendent Catherine Finger said.

"It was very nice the board and the administration supported the job we did last year with the kids," Moe said Thursday.

Moe served as Bowen's assistant before he was elevated to the top spot last year. Moe led Grayslake Central to a 21-10 record and its first section final, which was a loss to North Chicago High School.

Several parents, a couple of former players and other supporters attended a May 14 board meeting and spoke passionately about why officials should rehire Bowen for the Grayslake Central boys varsity basketball job.

Proponents said Bowen was skilled as a motivator and instilled a work ethic in those he coached. Detractors said Bowen was too heavy-handed with his players.

Moe said Bowen's removal wasn't the best way to become the head coach. However, he said, Bowen helped him after he took over the Grayslake Central varsity basketball program.

"Tim and I had similar philosophies on how the game should be played," said Moe.

Separately, a defamation lawsuit Bowen filed last October against another former assistant coach and a parent remains active in Lake County circuit court. Bowen seeks more than $50,000 in damages.

Howard Kravets, the ex-assistant, is accused in the civil suit of making false and defamatory statements about Bowen to parents, administrators and others since 2006. Parent David Peregrin wrote letters to District 127 officials containing defamatory statements, according to the lawsuit.

Attorneys for Kravets and Peregrin have filed motions seeking dismissal of Bowen's complaint, in part contending the men had the right to offer opinions about the former Grayslake Central coach.