Reinstate Coach Jim Crawford

Calumet- Laurium-Keweenaw School Board:

In June, 2014, I was asked to sign a letter of resignation. Because I was dealing with overwhelming events in my life at the time, I did not request adequate consideration before signing. After extensive soul searching and reflection of the past few years and my career as coach of the high school hockey team, I am withdrawing my letter of resignation.

The reason, given to me, when I was asked to resign was, "the sharks are circling and they will not quit this time." In hindsight, this was not justification for me to sign away a thirty-one year career. There are always a few people each year who question the picking of the team, practice structure, or player ice-time; but this has never been or should be a reason to ask a coach to resign.

I took full responsibility, and have apologized to the board, for derogatory comments made to the news media after an emotional loss and believed the issue closed. I am not aware of any conduct or infraction that would warrant dismissal. My thirty-one years as head coach and coaching record speak for the success of our hockey program under my leadership.

Hockey has always been my passion, and recently, it has helped me overcome a great void in my life. I am asking for the opportunity to continue coaching the Copper Kings hockey team. Thank you for your time and consideration in this manner.

Sincerely,
Jim Crawford
Calumet, MI