Burlington Central coach Sutherland resigns

Burlington Central High School Principal Dave Oleson has confirmed that highly successful Rockets' softball coach Scot Sutherland has resigned his position as a driver's education, physical education, health teacher and coach at the school.

"Scot did offer his resignation (Thursday) night and the board did accept his resignation," Oleson said.

The District 301 board of education met in executive session Thursday night but Oleson said he couldn't share any more details of the situation, citing the fact that the school doesn't comment on personnel issues.

However, when asked if the reasons for Sutherland's resignation were related in any way to students or student-athletes, Oleson confirmed they were not.

Sutherland has been on administrative leave since April 15. He last coached the Rockets April 13.

He also coached boys basketball and football at the school and was in his 11th year as the Rockets' softball coach. His career record at Central is 251-105. He guided the Rockets to third place in the Class 3A state tournament last year, when the team finished 26-6.

Oleson said assistant coach Lowell Oranger would coach the Rockets, who are currently 7-7, for the remainder of the season.

Oranger, who has been with the program for seven years, said he and the team were informed of Sutherland's resignation by athletic director Dan Cliffe prior to practice Friday afternoon.

"It's tough," Oranger said after practice Friday. "(Assistant coach) Bill Morrow and I just tried to reassure the girls that Scot would want us to move on and keep working toward our goals and that's what we'll do."

The Rockets' next scheduled game is Tuesday at Richmond-Burton.

Sutherland did not immediately return calls from the Daily Herald on Friday afternoon.