By admin Yuba City High School fired boys basketball coach Manny Phagura just weeks before tryouts, leaving players uncertain about the team’s leadership as they prepared for a season that could end the program’s six-year losing streak.
Read more California police didn’t call mental health line before restraining man who died, county says
The Yuba City Unified School District said its priority was supporting student-athletes and building a stronger varsity boys basketball program following the coaching change.
Phagura, who was hired in June, was removed from the position about a month before the team’s scheduled tryouts. The timing raised concerns among community members as players prepared for the upcoming season.
Superintendent Doreen Osumi said the district could not disclose the specific reasons for the decision because personnel matters were confidential under district policy and state law.
» Yuba-Sutter news in your inbox: Get our free Yuba-Sutter email newsletter here
Osumi said the district was focused on minimizing disruptions for players despite unanswered questions about Phagura’s dismissal.
Read more White supremacist behind 1999 Sacramento synagogue attacks to get parole hearing
“Our top priority is minimizing disruption for our student-athletes,” Osumi said. “Athletic administration is working directly with the team and coaching staff to minimize any further disruptions.”
The district confirmed that tryouts would proceed as scheduled but had not announced who would oversee them if a new head coach was not hired in time.
Osumi said the district was committed to building a competitive program that would earn the support of the school and community.
“We remain dedicated to building a competitive, sustainable program that our school and community can be proud of,” she said.
Read more Where do Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra fall on changes to California healthcare?
Attempts to reach Phagura were unsuccessful.