UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Grant Woodman, the longest-serving coach at Carson City-Crystal Area Schools, has officially resigned, citing ongoing conflicts with Superintendent John Sattler. The resignation was accepted during a school board meeting on November 13, 2024, raising urgent questions about the future of the district’s athletic programs.
Woodman, who has dedicated 14 years to coaching cross country and 10 years to track and field, stated that recent changes imposed by Sattler were “the last straw.” His departure comes after a history of tension between him and the superintendent, including a reduction in coaching pay and significant restructuring within the athletic department.
Coaching the boys’ cross country and track teams successfully, Woodman has led the Eagle boys to state championships. However, he expressed frustration over the recent split in team structures, which he felt undermined the unity essential for success. “We’re a Division 4 school. Splitting the teams was not in the best interest of our small numbers,” Woodman explained.
The decision to split the teams occurred during a sign-up meeting in June, where Woodman learned he would be taking on additional middle school coaching duties without prior consultation. “I was told the decision had already been made,” he said, indicating a lack of communication and support from the administration.
At the school board meeting, Woodman’s resignation passed with a unanimous 6-0 vote, although some board members voiced concerns over the loss of such a dedicated coach. Trustee Matthew Barker described Woodman as a “great coach” and lamented the circumstances surrounding his departure, urging the board to consider measures to retain talented coaches in the future.
“We can’t let those guys go… it’s a major loss for our school district,” Barker stated.
The controversy extends beyond Woodman’s resignation. Recent reports indicate that Sattler reassigned principal duties from another employee to Kaleb Farnham, the athletic director, without a formal vote from the school board. This move has raised further questions about leadership and decision-making within the district.
As Woodman transitions to a new coaching position at Fulton Schools in Middleton, he reflects on his decision to resign as a culmination of various issues over the years. “It was definitely a tough decision because I’ve been there 14 years and we’ve accomplished some pretty good things,” Woodman stated. “But it was time to step away.”
The situation at Carson City-Crystal is part of a broader trend of instability within the athletic department. Previous athletic director Travis Wilcox resigned amid disagreements with Sattler, and there has been notable turnover among coaches, including the early resignation of football coach Tim Swore.
In contrast, the school board recently extended Sattler’s contract through 2030 at a salary of $122,038, which includes additional compensation for his role as special education director. This decision has drawn scrutiny as the athletic program faces significant challenges.
As Carson City-Crystal prepares for a new chapter in its athletic programs, the community will be watching closely to see how these changes impact student-athletes and the overall culture of the district. The implications of Woodman’s resignation are being felt by students and parents alike, and the conversation about the future of the program is just beginning.
For now, Woodman leaves behind a legacy of achievement and leadership, and his departure marks a pivotal moment for Carson City-Crystal Area Schools. Stakeholders are urged to consider the broader implications of administrative decisions on the morale and success of student-athletes as the district navigates this transitional period.
