BHS fires volleyball coach York just before final regular season contest

Updated with additional quotesBELEN —Just hours before Belen’s final regular season volleyball game Nov. 6 against Valencia, BHS head coach Buddy York was fired from the position.

Jim Collins, BCS athletic coordinator, did not give a specific reason for the dismissal, saying the district was made aware of a “situation. There were some things that were not lined up and we didn’t have a choice,” Collins stated. “It was something we had to do to protect our school district and our program.” According to Collins, the situation did not involve anything illegal, was not health related or tied to the teams’ performance.

When contacted, York said he didn’t know why he was dismissed, that he was only told it was a “personnel matter.” York added he has asked for more information and is “flustered” by the timing.

“I’m really, really upset that they did it on the day of our biggest game of the season,” York said about the match the Eagles lost 3-0 to Valencia.

“There have been complaints about how I coach and how I give a lot of say to the girls in what’s going on,” York said about his approach over the years. “I’ve done that since 1983. It’s my style of coaching.”

“Honestly, it’s really disappointing,” said senior Addison Soiles on Sunday. “Coach York was a great coach and he always did everything for us girls.” As a team leader, Soiles wants to “put on a good face and try not to let it affect us.”

Belen qualified for the 4A State Championship, and plays Albuquerque Academy at 10 a.m. today in Rio Rancho.

The Eagles will be led by interim coach Shenoa Branch, who was an assistant under York. When asked if she was interested in the position fulltime, Branch said, “I will be praying on it, and we’ll see next year.”

York, 79, is a former Belen Middle School coach, who posted a two-year record at the high school of 31-13, including 15-6 this season.

The News-Bulletin reached out this week to both York and Collins for further comment. York, in a text message, only want to say, "Just wish the ladies Good Luck from me."

Collins provided a statement that read in full, "Anytime you have to make a change like this, the timing is never good. I appreciate all the hard work Coach York gave to our district but some things you can’t budge on as an administrator and this was one of those situations.

I have been to most of the volleyball games and over 20 practices and have full confidence in coach Branch at the state tournament. I am very proud of this team and what they have accomplished so far this season.”