After 26 seasons, Fernley High football coach Dave Hart is in the process of doing something he likely never thought he would have to do - hang onto his job.
NevadaPrep.com has reported that Hart as of now has been fired. NevadaPrep.com reported that Hart was asked to resign by principal Sue Segura, refused and was consequently fired.
Hart said he couldn't comment on what his status is as football coach on Friday. But he did say he went through an on-campus appeals process on Friday that he hoped would restore him as coach.
"We're in the appeals process right now," Hart said. "At this time I'm still very optimistic and hopeful."
Hart said he hoped he would be restored as coach as a result of the on-campus appeals process, saying he hoped it "doesn't go any further than where it went today," commenting on Friday's appeal.
If Hart isn't restored as coach, he has the option to continue the appeals process, which could go all the way to the Lyon County School Board meeting on Feb. 8.
He said if it goes that far, "I feel pretty good" about the support he has from the community and his peers. "We'll see what happens," he said.
When asked if it was appropriate to say that his status as football coach was still up in the air, Hart said, "That's what I want to believe, yes."
The Vaqueros went 4-6 last year and missed the Northern 3A playoffs for the sixth straight season. But Hart's teams had their share of success during the 1980s and 1990s. "We've had some success," he said. "Not as much as I would like."
Hart has also been a head coach in the Sertoma All-Star Football Game five times. Another highlight in recent years for Hart was being Nevada's representative to an NFL Summit in Canton, Ohio. In addition, Hart had been Fernley's athletic director up until last year.
"I've made it my life," said Hart about being Fernley's football coach. "I've made a lot of friends. It's been a wonderful journey."
