Wrestling Coach Steve HamblinCHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. - Parents and students in Cheatham County are fighting back after a popular wrestling coach was fired.
Friday night they lined up outside the Sycamore High School football game wearing red shirts that said, "Reinstate Coach Steve Hamblin." They also handed out fliers asking for support, and collected signatures on a petition.
Wrestling Coach Steve Hamblin, who has been working at Sycamore High School since 2009, learned this week he was being let go. When asked for an explanation of the firing, school officials said that all head coaches also have to be faculty members. Hamblin was not, but said he never received any warning.
He says the support from parents and students means a lot.
"The parents are always there to thank you at the end of the day, but you never put it in perspective until you see them fighting for your position," said Hamblin.
Parents and students said it was the least they could do for a man who is a good role model and friend.
"He's not only made me a better wrestler, he made me a better person," said student Chris Carlton, "I used to have a lot of anger issues, he taught me to use that on the mat."
"We are very hopeful they will see they made a mistake, but that they will reverse the decision and bring him back as our wrestling coach," said parent Theresa Barnes.
School district officials have not commented on the decision. They will meet with parents Monday at 5 p.m.
