Athletic Director Mike Watson has begun the search for a new varsity girls basketball coach after former coach Al Poynter resigned last week.
Poynter met with Watson on Monday, March 7 to inform him he was resigning from head coaching duties, effective immediately, citing family reasons and health concerns that put him in the hospital earlier this year.
According to Poynter, he developed a blood clot in his leg in early February which put him in the hospital for a few days. He said he was feeling better, but the incident was a wake-up call.
‘It certainly got my attention with two little kids at home,? he said.
Watson said he knows what Poynter is going through. ‘Having a family myself and having this job, you spend so many hours doing it, but I never heard Al complain,? Watson said.
Watson added he hardly ever heard anything disparaging coming from Poynter during the two years he has worked with him.
‘Al Poynter is one of the most professional coaches that I’ve ever encountered,? Watson said. ‘He handles whatever issues that may arise with a bright outlook, positivity and a get-it-done attitude. His loyalty to Oxford athletics is unsurpassed.?
Poynter took over the program in 2005. His best season came in 2007-2008, when the girls went 13-3 in the Flint Metro League. Last season, the Wildcats finished a disappointing 3-11 in their first season in the Oakland Activities Association.
Watson is certainly going to miss having Poynter on the sidelines.
‘He has not only been a loyal supporter to me, but to the athletic department. He has put countless hours into the basketball program trying to resurrect it and improve it,? Watson said. ‘We appreciate all of those efforts and everything he has done and we look forward to having him around the athletic department and around athletics for years to come.?
In addition to coaching, Poynter also served on the athletic code committee with Watson. ‘He was an absolute leader on that committee,? Watson said.
Poynter said he enjoyed his six seasons coaching the Wildcats. ‘It was a great experience…it was very enjoyable working with all the players that did and I’m a better coach and a person for being part of it,? he said.
He feels even though the program had a rough year this it is on the right track and it will turn around.
‘I want to say thank you to all the players and coaches involved in the program. I think everyone pulled together and we were able to have a good six years of getting the program back to respectability.?