Northern Lehigh boys hoops coach Rich Oertner could lose job tonight

FROM KEITH GROLLER

On the agenda at tonight's Northern Lehigh School Board meeting is a motion to remove Rich Oertner as boys basketball coach.

Actually, the wording is a little different.

It's like this:

Rescind Co-Curricular Appointment 2010-2011

Rescind the appointment of Richard Oertner from his position as Head Boys Basketball Coach for the 2010-2011 school year which was originally approved at the April 12, 2010 board meeting.

This action stems from an alleged incident recently in which Oertner was supposedly driving with a high school student, unattached, laying on top of his jeep. It's called hood surfing.

We've been told that the school board has four written statements verifying this happened. Oertner allegedly was asked to resign, but refused.

Bizarre story.

We're told the debate could get really intense tonight.

Oertner has been a very successful coach with the Bulldogs program, winning three Colonial League titles in the last four years and the 2007-08 District 11 2A championship. In 10 seasons, his teams have gone 161-99 and were 19-6 last season.

The Morning Call will have the meeting covered. Look for a report in Tuesday's newspaper.

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/2010/08/northern-lehigh-boys-hoops-coach-rich-oertner-could-lose-job-tonight.html