He did it for us’: Pell City High School students sad to say goodbye to Rush Propst after resignation
PELL CITY, Ala. —
It’s been days since Pell City head football coach Rush Propst announced his resignation, but the fallout isn’t over just yet. Pell City has already found a new coach. Former Alabama football player Nick Gentry will lead the Panthers on the field next season. Students told WVTM 13 they’re excited to see what he’ll do as the coach, but Propst will be missed.
Two weeks ago, Pell City schools Superintendent James Martin tried to remove Propst from his position as head football coach. The school board decided not to put the move to a vote, and that’s why many feel Propst’s resignation comes as a surprise.
During his first season with the school, the team had a 1-11 record. The one game the Panthers won was forfeited because of a transfer violation. Propst was accused of recruiting high school students while he was coaching in Georgia. He also admitted to having a secret second family.
Many are sad to see Propst go, but they feel he made the best decision for himself and everyone involved.
“He did it for us,” Pell City High School football player Sean Boyle said. “Everything Coach Propst has done while at Pell City was for his players and coaching staff. We’ve been under a lot of pressure from our school board and superintendent. Why? I couldn’t really tell you. If Propst believes it was best for him to step down and allow his players to be removed from under the spotlight so we can get better and not worry about the — Coach Saban said — rat poisoning the community.”
Pell City High School student Allie Latta said she doesn’t care about the controversy surrounding Propst, and it’s hard to see him go. She believes the impact he’s had on the program, the community and students cannot be duplicated.
“We might not have had a difference in records, but he’s definitely really made a huge impact on the players’ lives,” she said. “We had a ton of recruits come from colleges that the boys never would have had before, and he just opened up a huge opportunity for all of them.”
Propst’s resignation is effective immediately, but he won’t be going far. He’ll be involved as a member of the school’s booster club.
