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Hempfield Area basketball coach Bill Swan resigns amid investigation

Hempfield basketball coach resigns amid investigation
Hempfield basketball coach resigns amid investigation 02:18

HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) -- Hempfield Area boys basketball coach Bill Swan has resigned from his position amid a school investigation after undisclosed allegations were made against him. 

Swan's resignation comes a week after he was placed on administrative leave

Superintendent Dr. Mark Holtzman tells KDKA District Swan submitted a letter of resignation at a regularly scheduled district board meeting on Tuesday evening. 

His resignation was accepted by the board with an 8-1 vote. 

It came as a surprise to many, including students. 

"I knew he was going to actually retire I think this year, anyway, but that's such a horrible way to end it off, kind of being forced to leave," said Elle Gabaldo. "He was my guidance counselor and I thought he was a really cool guy and I'm really sad that this happened."

KDKA-TV learned that this isn't the first time Swan has been investigated by the district. 

He was fired from his first stint coaching the Spartans in 2009 and was required to undergo anger management classes. 

According to the settlement reached with the district, Swan agreed to never apply for a coaching position in Hempfield, only to be re-hired in 2014.

"We are now focused on the well-being of our student-athletes and providing them the necessary leadership and support so that they can continue competing at a high level," Dr. Holtzman told KDKA-TV. 

Pennsylvania State Police previously confirmed they were also investigating the allegations but haven't provided any information. 

The Post-Gazette also reports that assistant coach Mark Katarski has been named the team's interim coach. 

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