UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Grant Woodman, the longtime cross country and track coach for Carson City-Crystal Area Schools, has resigned, citing significant issues with Superintendent John Sattler. Woodman’s resignation was officially accepted by the school board in a unanimous 6-0 vote on November 13, 2024.
This sudden departure comes after 14 years of dedicated service, during which Woodman led the Eagles to multiple state championships. In an exclusive interview, he revealed that recent changes imposed by Sattler were “the last straw,” prompting his decision to leave.
Woodman expressed his concerns about the restructuring of the cross country team, stating that splitting the teams into separate boys’ and girls’ squads undermined the unity and effectiveness of the program. “We’re a Division 4 school, we’re a small school. So to split them is counterproductive,” he explained.
The discontent within the athletic department has been brewing for years. Woodman, who has also worked as a counselor for Fulton Schools, noted that he had raised concerns with the school board regarding Sattler’s management style. “I made the decision to step away and let somebody else take on that program,” Woodman stated, reflecting on the culmination of frustrations that led to his resignation.
During Monday’s school board meeting, Trustee Matthew Barker voiced his dismay over Woodman’s resignation, calling it a “major loss” for the district. “We can’t let those guys go. Maybe we could look into it in the future with coaches and try to keep them,” he urged.
Woodman had previously faced reductions in coaching pay and a shift in duties, which included being reassigned to middle school coaching responsibilities without adequate support. This backdrop of dissatisfaction highlights a troubling trend of turnover within the school’s athletic programs, as several other coaches have also resigned in recent years due to conflicts with Sattler.
In a startling revelation, the school board had not voted on the recent changes to administrative roles, including the reassignment of high school principal duties to athletic director Kaleb Farnham. Board President Mark Jensen affirmed that Sattler made these decisions unilaterally, a move that has raised eyebrows among board members.
“It was a change of duties mid-year,” Jensen acknowledged. While he defended Sattler’s approach, he also recognized the potential impact of such changes on staff morale and retention.
As this situation continues to develop, many are left questioning the future of Carson City-Crystal Area Schools’ athletic programs. Woodman’s departure not only affects the cross country and track teams but also raises concerns about the overall direction of the district’s sports initiatives.
Woodman has accepted a new coaching position for the varsity boys and girls track and field teams at Fulton Schools, providing him an opportunity to continue his coaching career in a more supportive environment.
The community is anxiously awaiting further developments as the school board navigates leadership changes and the implications for student-athletes. The next board meeting will likely address these pressing issues, with stakeholders eager to ensure that the athletic programs can move forward positively.
