Sapp, Community Win

(Cameron)  Cameron ISD Athletic Director Randy Sapp received a one year contract from the Cameron School Board Wednesday night, but it took 3 hours of closed door discussions before the unanimous vote.  Rumors surfaced more than 2 months ago that Sapp might not be re-hired by the board.  KMIL news learned last week that the board had reportedly offered Sapp another position within the district, but was not going to renew his contract as Athletic Director.  That's when the community pulled together in support of Sapp. Petitions were circulated,  even hats were made, displaying that support.  In light of the community involvement, the board called a special meeting, a month early,  to consider Sapp's contract.   

     During the meeting, four Sapp patrons spoke to the board, including students Andrew Wallace and Gayland Andrews, longtime friend and classmate Mark Harwell, and longtime Cameron attorney John B. Henderson, Jr.  (Henderson statement)  The Board was presented with petitions containing more than 1100 names supporting Sapp.  Henderson put that into perspective.  (Henderson statement)  

     The Board adjourned into an executive session around 8:15 p.m. and reconvened at 11:22 p.m.   Most of the 300 plus who attended the meeting, waited out the decision.

   Following the meeting, Sapp said he was overwhelmed by the support.  (Sapp statement) 

     Since taking over the A.D. position, Sapp, in four seasons, has compiled a record of 33 wins and 15 losses, with 3 trips to post season.  In his first year, Sapp guided the Yoemen to the quarterfinal round of the highschool playoffs, and was eliminated in the second round in the '97 and '98 seasons.  In the '99 season, Sapp was 4-6 in a district that proved to be one of the toughest in Class 3A.  

     Sapp, a 1975 graduate of Yoe High School, is completing his 19th year as a coach with the Maroon and Gray.  He graduated from Sam Houston State University and joined the Cameron coaching staff in 1981, the year of Cameron's only state title.    Sapp said the community and especially the student support was overwhelming.  "A leader, a friend, a father-figure", those were the words of student speaker Andrew Wallace.  Although there have been claims of as much opposition to Sapp as there is support, none of those were present at Wednesday's meeting.