Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 31, 1992 TAG: 9203310108
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SCOTT BLANCHARD SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Salem principal John Hall said Mosser, who had a 40-89 record as the Spartans' coach, was not forced to resign. Hall said Mosser was made aware in the past week that Salem's basketball program had fallen short of expectations.
"There was a feeling that the won-lost record was just not what it should be," Hall said. "We need to have a new direction."
Hall said Salem will advertise the position and said the school does not have anyone in mind to hire.
Mosser said the basketball program is in "excellent shape." Salem was 9-11 this past season and had one senior on the team. However, Hall said the Salem administration did not feel the program was headed for a turnaround under Mosser.
Superintendent Wayne Tripp also was involved in the decision, Hall said.
Hall did not say Mosser would have been removed had he chosen not to resign but said such action is "always an option."
In a statement he prepared, Mosser said he realized his program's bottom line was a source of concern.
"It has come to my attention that the basketball program has not met with some of the expectations of some or many in the community," Mosser said. "Therefore, due to the lack of support needed to continue, I am resigning effective immediately from my coaching position. I feel the program is in excellent shape and much success awaits the next basketball coach at Salem."
Mosser's efforts may have been hampered by the success of Salem's football team. The team's annual run through the playoffs often deprived Mosser of key players early in basketball season.
Mosser, however, said "lack of support" did not refer to the school's support for the program, and Hall said the school strongly backs boys' basketball.
"Coach Mosser and I have talked [in the past], and we've set some goals," Hall said. "You do that any time when you've got a program trying to move upward. There have never been any goals [set that were] out of reach."
Mosser was asked if he thought he would have been successful if he had remained as coach.
"That's pretty obvious," he said.
Mosser said he has no current plans to seek another coaching position. He said "as of right now" he will continue teaching government and geography at Salem.
Mosser, son of longtime Patrick Henry coach Len Mosser Sr., was head coach at Cave Spring High School for two years before taking the job at Salem. In 1985-86 at Cave Spring, he was voted Roanoke Metro coach of the year.
Mosser's career also included six years as an assistant to Burrall Paye at William Fleming.
by CNB