Gulf High (FL) Football Coach Steps Down Amid Illegal Recruiting Allegations

August 25, 2010 / Football
NEW PORT RICHEY – Jay Fulmer’s five-year tenure as Gulf High football coach officially came to an end Tuesday when Superintendent Heather Fiorentino upheld the resignation he tendered Monday morning.

Fulmer, 43, resigned after an investigation by county athletic director Phil Bell into alleged illegal recruiting violations in the Buccaneers football program.

The Gulf program recently came under scrutiny for the transfers of Ty’Shon Peters and Kris Aratchiysky from Anclote High to Gulf. The program has also been investigated for improper player contact.

“I believe my resignation is the best thing that could happen to Gulf High School,” Fulmer said by telephone Tuesday. “There is two kids’ eligibility that is under question, and if the district feels my resignation and self-reporting and this form of discipline is going to give these kids an opportunity to play, then I’m OK with that.”

Peters, a junior, was the Buccaneers’ quarterback in five games last year, completing 21 of 34 passes for 365 yards. He transferred to Anclote for the second semester of the 2009-10 school year, but returned to Gulf for the beginning of this year.

Aratchiysky, a senior, was the starting fullback at Anclote for its inaugural season in 2009. He was at Mitchell before Anclote opened last year. Aratchiysky led the Sharks in rushing yards with 813 yards and four touchdowns.

Gulf principal Steve Knobl said Tuesday that the head coaching position has been posted on the county job line – as a supplement only. Fulmer is on paid administrative leave and has not been dismissed as a teacher.

“We just received a call allowing us to advertise the head football coaching position for three days – a short three days – which is normal at this juncture of the school year,” Knobl said. “We’ll see who applies. Right now, it’s a supplement only. I’ve been told to see who applies and conduct the interviews and when we get the person we think is the best fit, then we’ll see if we can get an instructional or non-instructional position.”

Fiorentino told Fulmer she planned to make a decision on where Fulmer will teach today. Fulmer is a physical education teacher at Gulf, but Fiorentino will decide whether he stays at the school or is transferred somewhere else.

“I will do whatever (Fiorentino) wants me to do,” Fulmer said. “Sometimes when you…. (Read More…)

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/aug/25/pa-gulf-coach-fulmer-steps-down/


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