The Associated Press

CROOKSVILLE – A longtime high school football coach who led his team to 11 state playoff appearances and a state championship has been fired following allegations that he gave lingerie to a student.

Friday, September 15, 2000

CROOKSVILLE – A longtime high school football coach who led his team to 11 state playoff appearances and a state championship has been fired following allegations that he gave lingerie to a student.

At a special meeting Thursday, the Crooksville school board adopted a resolution to terminate the teaching and supplemental contracts of Craig Spring, The Times Recorder of Zanesville reported.

Spring had been suspended without pay since June 20.

The board has said the gift was ”grossly inappropriate,” violated previous warnings and reprimands Spring has received and was a violation of the district’s sexual harassment policy.

Earlier this week, Spring withdrew his request to have a special hearing. Spring, a 27-year teacher, wanted to get on with his life, said his attorney, David Schnorf.

Spring, who taught physical education, could not be reached for comment Thursday. A message was left on his telephone answering machine.

He led Crooksville High School to four Muskingum Valley League titles and 11 state playoff appearances, including the 1977 Ohio Class A championship.

Crooksville is about 50 miles southeast of Columbus.