Dexter Athletes Press Forward as Athletic Director, Football Coach Resign

As Dexter athletes took to the field behind Creekside School this week, the noticeable absence of Coach Brian Baird could be felt among the players.

Baird for the program on Sunday citing health reasons. Ryan Fisher, a current Dexter High School teacher, and Scott Staebler, the team's assistant coach, will finish out the season with the Dreadnaughts.

"I couldn't pick two better guys to lead the team," Baird said. "These two coaches are phenomenal."

In his second season as head coach of the Dreadnaughts, Baird said the Dreadnaughts' 69-0 loss to Ann Arbor Pioneer on Sept. 7 and the team's 0-3 season had nothing to do with the decision to resign.

"I've been having health issues for the past six months, and during the last several weeks I decided that being around for my family had to take precedence over coaching," Baird said.

Baird's resignation is the most recent setback for a program that has struggled to reinvent itself in the last year. Earlier this summer, resigned after serving one month in order to pursue a career outside of the district. And in July, officials paid out more than $10,000 to former football coach Tom Barbieri, who filed a lawsuit against the school district for being dismissed in 2010.

The Dreadnaughts finished the 2011 season with a 3-6 record, which Baird said he is proud of.

"My goal was to bring some consistency and trust back to the program," he said. "We were able to get good coaches in place on all levels that will take care of the kids and their families moving forward.

"It's been a messy two years with the constant turnover in the athletic office, but my goal was never allow it to affect the kids' performance on the field or in the classroom."

Baird said he did not feel pressure from parents or the district to deliver a winning team during his 16 months as coach.

"The administration has been very supportive of the program. They knew that we're trying to build it up. The district wanted us to teach the kids how to be part of a larger team and I never felt that the community was disappointed in my approach," Baird said.

Interim Athletic Director Mike Bavineau acknowledged that some parents have expressed skepticism about the future of sports at Dexter.

"With any change in an organization there is going to be some concern, however I can't focus on the past," he said. "I'm coming into this position with an open eye to see how I can help the program. People might have a perception that something is wrong, but all I can do is work harder to change that perception.

"If we take little steps at a time, I think people will see that we're making progress."

Bavineau said one area he plans to concentrate on involves communication with parents, athletes, and coaches.

"Do I think our athletic program is in a positive place? Yes. However there is a lot that goes into providing services for athletes, and I think stability and communication will help the department run effectively and efficiently over time," he said.

Bavineau said that while Baird's resignation is a loss to the program, the Dreadnaughts are moving forward with their sights set on Friday's game against Adrian.

"The coaches and athletes are committed to working toward a successful season," Bavineau said. "Their perseverance in a tough situation is admirable. They are out there every day working hard to get better."