SOUTHERN PINES — The status of Pinecrest football coach Chris Metzger appears to be the focus of a Friday meeting with Moore County Schools Superintendent Bob Grimesey.
Pinecrest was forced to forfeit eight wins this past season and was fined $5,000 by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association for violating the eight-quarter rule. The Patriots finished 1-10 and missed the state 4AA playoffs.
Moore County Schools initiated an investigation Nov. 10 to look further into the cause of the eight-quarter rule violation. Pinecrest principal Bob Christian called for the probe because he wanted to “respond in a fair and exemplary manner, and take the measures that are appropriate based on careful review.”
Social media buzzed Tuesday regarding Metzger’s future with the school. Metzger’s supporters took to Twitter and Facebook starting campaigns calling for Grimesey to retain the coach. Among those asking for Metzger to remain at Pinecrest were Tom Van Camp and Tom Benton.
An attorney in Pinehurst, Van Camp is the founder of the Sandhills Patriots, a youth football team that has players from Moore County and the surrounding areas. Van Camp told The Pilot he wants the public to email Grimesey because “there is a potential that Chris could lose his job.”
“Between now and Friday is the time to express your support before a decision is made,” Van Camp said to The Pilot.
Benton, the president of the Pinecrest Booster Club, echoed Van Camp’s sentiments.
“I know Chris’ influence on 180 kids in the program is tremendous, as is the positive impact he has on the community,” Benton said to The Pilot.
School officials responded to the outcry of support they have been receiving. Grimesey said he hasn’t made a decision regarding Metzger’s future.
“I will make a final determination when I have all the facts,” he said to The Pilot. “Right now I don’t have all the facts.”
Eric Porter, MCS’ associate superintendent for secondary education, wrote an email that was sent out to people who reached out to Grimesey.
“Thank you for contacting Dr. Grimesey,” the email stated. “On his behalf, I am writing to advise you that you have received inaccurate information. No final decision has been made regarding Pinecrest High School’s recent violation of NCHSAA rules. Our investigative process continues.”
Information from The Pilot was used in this story.