THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 17, 1995 TAG: 9501170403
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
Bob Siman has been fired as head wrestling coach at Lake Taylor High School, ending his return to the sideline just over a month after it began.
The Titans opened their season Dec. 3. Siman, who formerly coached at Norfolk Catholic and Indian River, learned of his dismissal during a practice Jan. 4.
``It's a personnel matter,'' said Norfolk public schools spokesman George Raiss, who would not elaborate.
Siman also refused comment.
Russell Flynn, the Titans' head coach for the past six seasons, and Ken Whitley will serve as co-coaches. The two were in command Saturday when the Titans wrestled in the Virginia Duals National Invitational Team Tournament.
``We hope (Siman) will be back,'' Flynn said.
The reasons for Siman's removal are unclear, even to the Titans themselves.
``We don't know what happened,'' Lake Taylor heavyweight Brad Vera said. ``There are a lot of rumors out there, but no one knows anything for sure.''
One source said petitions signed by parents and students at Lake Taylor are being circulated asking for Siman's reinstatement.
Siman, a former state champion at Granby High, led Norfolk Catholic to the Virginia Independent Schools state title in 1978, his first of two years there.
He then moved to Indian River, where he stayed for eight seasons before stepping down and joining a lawn care service. He stayed in wrestling by working as a referee and later as a volunteer coach at Lake Taylor.
He has also worked at Billy Martin's Granby School Camp the past 13 years.
Lake Taylor athletic director Bert Harrell cited Siman's proficiency in teaching Granby techniques as one of the main reasons he was offered the Titans' head coaching job last summer. by CNB