Brandon High School varsity softball coach Don Peters has left the district to take a similar job in Clarkston.
BHS Athletic Director Larry Lamphere confirmed Nov. 17 that Peters, who coached the Blackhawks since 1986 and became a member of the Michigan Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in February 2000, has resigned. He said a search for a new coach will begin immediately.
With Peters at the helm, the Blackhawks captured the 1994 state softball championship in Class B. Heading into the 2004 season, Peters complied a win-loss record of 480-160 (.750), and the Blackhawks won 11 conference championships, 12 district titles, and four regional titles under his watch.
Peters also helped coach 25 girls to All-State status, four teams to academic all-state honors, and more than 60 players to scholar-athlete honors. He currently works as an instructor at the Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northwest.
Despite his accomplishments, not everyone has been happy with Peters? coaching style.
Since October 2003, several Brandon parents have submitted letters to the Brandon Board of Education describing incidents of ‘tyrannical behavior, including kicking water bottles, incidental spitting in players? faces and derogatory comments.?
Clarkston High School Athletic Director Dan Fife said the allegations did not deter the district from hiring Peters, who coached junior varsity softball in Clarkston for nine years before taking the varsity job in Brandon.
‘I’d be lying if I said I didn’t know about (the allegations), but it didn’t affect our decision,? Fife said. ‘We’re very comfortable with who Don is and what he’s done, and more importantly, who he is as a person.?
Brandon school officials have also supported Peters throughout the allegations.
School board president Beth Nuccio said in February that Peters ‘has served as teacher, counselor, mentor, and at times a parent to over 200 student athletes.
Coach Peters is a man of integrity, who truly cares about our kids.?
Peters could not be reached for comment as of press time.