BACK ON THE FIELD

 Corbin High School Softball Coach Chris Hart was back on the sidelines for Monday’s game against the Pulaski Southwestern Warriors after he was told by Superintendent Ed McNeel Friday that he would conduct an investigation into his team’s trip to Fort Walton Beach, Fl. during spring break.

Hart had been put off his coaching duties pending an investigation of incidents that occurred during the team’s trip to Florida.

“He was just off from all coaching duties until I finished my investigation,” McNeel said. “I wanted to make sure Coach Hart had made the appropriate procedures concerning the safety and welfare of our kid’s in regards to the trip over Spring Break. Ultimately, as superintendent we are responsible for every kid in the district and that is what that was all about.”

“We talked in detail with Coach Hart to see if his procedures were in place and the circumstances regarding that and as of this afternoon he has been reinstated,” McNeel said.

Hart, who is the president of the Kentucky Softball Coaches Association, was elated to be back on the field.

“I was notified today that I was reinstated immediately to return to my team and I was very happy,” Hart said. “I know the Corbin Board of Education preformed a through investigation into the Florida trip and some incidents that occurred there.”

“The important thing is to make sure the girls are safe and that we provided a safe environment and upon that investigation I was released to come back and coach my team immediately,” Hart said.

Neither Hart nor McNeel could comment on any player suspensions.

But McNeel did say some changes would be made in the future regarding trips of this type. “Absolutely, it will be changed, but we are not sure what will be changed,” he said. “We will be going through procedures for anyone taking trips and how can we make certain that the safety of the kids is there.”

“It was the first time in seven years that I have missed a game or practice,” Hart said. “It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to deal with. I didn’t realize it would be so tough not to be around my team while they were playing and not even get to watch them.”

“That was very tough so I am excited to be back and I just appreciate all the thoughts and prayers and calls of concern people of the community had for me and this program. It is encouraging to know that people really care,” Hart added.

A rally for Coach Hart was scheduled prior to the school board meeting Monday night, but it was called off after he was reinstated. “I don’t know much about it, I wasn’t involved in anything, but I understand they were planning a rally of support for me. I know today at school I was pleased to see students passing out stickers that said ‘Put our Hart back into softball’. It’s nice to know that your kids want you and that they care about you and love you.”

“Maybe I have made a difference in their lives and even being gone one game it is encouraging to know that they really care,” Hart said.