Perkins girls basketball coach Brian Heck resigns after hazing allegation

PERKINS TWP. — Brian Heck resigned Monday as Perkins girls basketball coach after the school district investigated what it called a hazing incident involving Heck, an incident some parents said was blown out of proportion. Heck was told last week by Perkins Schools superintendent Todd Boggs that the coach's supplemental contract would not be renewed for next season. Boggs said in a statement released Monday morning by the school district that he was informed March 23 of "a possible hazing incident" involving Heck. "The hazing incident can be described as ritualistic," Boggs said. "At least one team member reported that the incident was upsetting, and she felt humiliated and degraded." Boggs said Perkins principal Jeff Harbal and athletic director Ted Sturzinger joined him in investigating the incident and determined that it occurred on Feb. 8, prior to a Pirates practice and one day after a 50-33 road loss to state-ranked Buckeye Central. "We met with Coach Heck on Thursday, March 31, 2022, to discuss the allegations," Boggs said. "Coach Heck confirmed that the incident did occur and that it was meant to be in fun. "After discussing the incident with Coach Heck, I informed him that I would recommend to the board of education that his annual supplemental coaching contract with Perkins Local Schools not be renewed." The incident in question occurred in the Perkins locker room. Heck wore a tall hat and rung water from a washcloth, dripping some on players while mentioning parts of their games they could improve. One player and parent called the session a team tradition and said all coaches were present. "If I had known anyone's participation in a player-requested team bonding exercise to mentally reset after a bad game would make any one of my players remotely uncomfortable, it never would have happened," Heck said. "I would've hoped that I be given the same courtesy and respect of a proper 'investigation' where other party members were questioned instead of a disgruntled player." School district spokesman Jeff Stacklin defended the thoroughness of the investigation. "The investigation did include talking to players and parents," he said. "I don't know how many of each. It was over the last two weeks." Jen Kearney, a Perkins alumnae whose daughter Maggie Farley plays for the Pirates, said what occurred in the locker room was "goofy, lighthearted and fun and meant to improve the mood after a bad game." "Hazing is a big word," Kearney said. "There were 22 girls in that room and only one took it the wrong way. It's sad that the administration doesn't reach out to the other 21 kids to find out what really happened. Brian is truly a good man. I wish we could make this all go away." Kearney sent an email to the school board and administration in support of Heck. Mike Kaufman, whose daughter Cameron was a team captain, also supported the fiery coach. "I'm familiar with the situation and believe it's been grossly blown out of proportion by calling it an 'incident,' " Kaufman said. "Coach Heck has been a positive influence on the kids. He teaches discipline, hard work and accountability — all things that will serve them well in their adult lives." Julie Koonce said she can't imagine her daughter Camryn VanVlerah playing for anyone but Heck. She also has an older daughter who played for Perkins when Heck was an assistant and is a big supporter of the coach. "If I ever thought there was something negative happening in that program I would be the first to step up and voice my opinion," Koonce said. "To say we were in shock (over the decision) is an understatement. (Camryn) felt like she had the wind knocked out of her. "That's such a huge decision to make without talking to the ones who were affected the greatest." Heck had a one-sentence resignation letter delivered to Harbal at 3:50 p.m. Monday. It read: "I, Brian Heck, as of April 4th, 2022 officially resign my position as Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach from Perkins Local Schools." Boggs did not return a phone call Monday afternoon seeking more detail on the incident. School board vice president Ted Kastor also did not return a call from the Register seeking comment. The Perkins school board was set to vote on Boggs' recommendation to not renew Heck's contract at its April 13 meeting, Stacklin said. That board vote will no longer take place due to Heck's resignation. High school coaches work on one-year supplemental contracts. Heck does not work for the school district in any other role. Heck, who met with his players on Saturday to inform them that he would not be back to coach the Pirates next season, was Perkins' head coach for five years. He compiled an 81-44 record and took the Pirates to two district finals. Prior to being named head coach in 2017, Heck was a varsity assistant for nine years under former coach Ray Neill. Perkins went 17-7 this past season and shared the Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division championship with Bellevue. Heck's daughter Raegan was a standout freshman for the Pirates this past season. "I love all my girls like my own daughter, and I love my coaches like my own siblings," Heck said. "God is in control and has a plan. Because of that, I'm at peace."