Feb. 1, 2007

Volleyball program in search of new coach
Mattie Unger
ungerm@marietta.edu

While students spent six weeks away from school, Tom Symons made a decision to resign as Head Volleyball Coach at Marietta. His decision came as a shock to players and members of the Athletic Department.
Symons will be moving to Kansas City, MO for what he said is “an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.” Once there, volleyball will be taking a backseat. Instead of coaching volleyball, Symons will be involved in Real Estate Development. “I’m going to fix up houses.”
Despite not pursuing volleyball for the time being, Symons will miss the coaching environment and is sentimental about his time at MC.

“I’m glad I was there and got to see the change and development in the players and team,” said Symons. “The players are the best part of the job and seeing them change as players and people.”

Following Symons’s resignation, the Athletic Department was then forced to begin their search for someone to fill the empty coaching position. The national search was started.

“The job ad has gone out to four groups,” said Athletic Director Debbie Lazorik, “the NCAA, NAWAA, AVCA, and the Division III AD List Serve.” Applicants will submit resumes until February 12. At that time, applications will start to be reviewed.

“A committee will be formed to select candidates and the decision on who to bring to campus,” continued Lazorik. “There will be two faculty members assigned by Faculty Council, [along with] myself as Chair, a coach, and an administrator.”

Lazorik is appreciative of the work Symons put toward MC. “I wish Tom well and thank him for the good work he did with our volleyball program and sports management program. He was a great colleague in the department and will be missed.”

Now occupied by moving his belongings to Kansas City, Symons would like to leave by saying four words. To everyone, “Go Blue.” And, to his now former players, “Go Steelers.”