Voelkel Is Back as Pali High Baseball Coach

Mike Voelkel has confirmed that he and his staff have rescinded their resignations and have officially returned to coach the Palisades High baseball program.

“We’re all very excited to be back,” said Voelkel, who will begin his eighth season as Dolphins head coach in the spring. “This is as much enthusiasm as I’ve seen from kids and parents since I’ve been here. That goes for all the sports − not just baseball.”

Voelkel and his staff − varsity assistants Lee Sugich and Steve Heineman and JV coaches Mike Winger and Will Gumm − resigned right before winter break after Voelkel was told by athletic officials he would have to reinstate a player he had removed from the program for violating the team’s code of conduct policy. However, after a public meeting Dec. 19 at Gilbert Hall, the school’s board of trustees released a statement supporting Voelkel’s right to enforce the conduct rules, which are stipulated in a contract signed by his players.

“After long deliberation and careful consideration, the board took no action in closed session,” the statement read. “This has the effect of upholding the administration’s decision supporting the applicable policy of the baseball team.”

Among the nealy 80 people at the meeting were a number of Pali High baseball players and parents  who spoke on Voelkel’s behalf. The father of the player who was removed also spoke, asking  for fairness in application of the policy. The Palisadian-Post confirmed through multiple sources that several months ago a varsity player was disciplined for violating the team’s policy on alcohol.

“The philosophy has always been to take a proactive approach  to create a pathway for kids’ development − both mentally and physically,” Voelkel said.

The father of the player removed requested the meeting after being told by administrators that his son could serve as the team manager but would not be allowed to play. After the board’s decision, the father said his son will not be returning to Pali High. He added that his son did not sign the contract or have it explained to him.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to coaching baseball,” said Voelkel, who is also a P.E. teacher. “I think we should be pretty strong again this year.”

— Steve Galluzzo