Rutherford still seeking girls soccer coach

SPRINGFIELD — Not all jobs are easy to fill during a slow economy.

Rutherford Principal Mike Kennedy knew that girls head soccer coach Lisa Tonn was leaving the program after last season, and advertised the position before the end of the school year.

Kennedy said Tuesday that he had to readvertise the opening a second time after a volunteer coach replacement had to withdraw because of a work conflict.

Kennedy said that teachers from Bay District Schools are given first choice at the position and accompanying $3,200 coaching supplement, but none had applied.

“Here’s the situation we’re in, it’s getting harder and harder to find teachers who are willing to put in extra time and effort to maintain a good quality program,” Kennedy said. “The supplements for them are much better than they were years ago, but in some cases it’s just not worth it for them.”

Tonn, who teaches at Bay Haven Charter Academy, coached the Rams while her daughter, Linda, attended Rutherford and was a member of the squad. When Linda graduated last spring, Lisa Tonn informed Kennedy she would not return.

Rutherford was 8-13-0 and reached the region quarterfinals in 2010-2011. Soccer practice begins in mid-October and regular-season games start in November. The season usually extends until the beginning of February.

“We advertised it the first time before school was out in the spring and advertised again last month,” Kennedy said. “We thought we had our man, he works in Bay County and coaches youth soccer, but he can’t because of work restrictions.

“This is a real dilemma for all of us; all schools are beginning to face it.”

Kennedy stressed that any teacher at any school in the district would be eligible potentially to be hired and receive the supplement, and they would have first choice.

“If we don’t have a teacher who applies anywhere in the county we can hire a nonteacher who applies,” he said. “That requires final approval through the teachers’ union to give proof we advertised.”

Kennedy said he would like to make the hire as soon as possible as the Rams currently don’t have a girls soccer summer program in place.

“At least by the time school starts” on Aug. 22, Kennedy said.

Kennedy said that anyone who is interested can contact him at school (872-4500 or 767-4500) or by email, or contact Athletic Director Kirk Harrell by phone (872-4500, ext. 2007) or through the school website.

Harrell said that the new coach also would be responsible for scheduling and arranging officials and for making some travel arrangements.

Rutherford will compete in District 2-3A this season along with Arnold, Choctawhatchee and Milton.