Burlington coach Sutherland on administrative leave

Burlington Central girls softball coach Scot Sutherland is on approved administrative leave, District 301 Superintendent Todd Stirn confirmed on Thursday.

"Coach Sutherland is not at school," Stirn said. "He is on administrative approved absence."

Stirn would not elaborate on the reason for Sutherland's absence.

"It's not our policy to comment on personnel issues," Stirn said.

Sutherland, who teaches physical education, health and driver's education at the school and also coaches boys basketball and football, is in his 11th year as the Rockets' softball coach. The last game he coached was a 6-3 loss to Marengo on April 13. 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 Rockets finished 26-6.

When asked if Sutherland would return this season, Stirn said, "I hope to be able to answer that in a week or so."

Stirn said assistant coach Lowell Oranger is the acting head coach for the Rockets until further notice.

Sutherland did not immediately return calls from the Daily Herald.