Copley High School removes Mark Dente as boys, girls basketball coach
The Copley-Fairlawn school district notified families Friday that Mark Dente is no longer the coach of Copley High School's boys and girls basketball programs.
In the email, obtained by the Akron Beacon Journal, Copley Athletic Director Andy Jalwan doesn't explain Dente's sudden departure. District officials couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
Jalwan said he and Copley High School Principal Eric Smith informed players of the coaching decision Friday.
"This morning, Mr. Eric Smith and I met with the students on the boys and girls basketball teams at the high school," Jalwan wrote in the email. "We informed our students that Coach Dente will not be returning as a coach for either the boys or girls basketball programs and that this change is effective immediately. We would like to thank Coach Dente for his commitment and dedication to our school district.
"In the interim, I have asked Coach Brian Emich to oversee the boys summer program and Coach Jason Collins and Mr. Jed McKnight to oversee the girls summer program. Our goal is to have a productive summer that allows our student-athletes to be prepared for next season. These coaches will be getting information out soon regarding summer league, shootouts and open gyms.
"While the summer program continues to run, we are posting both the boys and girls head coach positions and will begin accepting applications immediately. Our intention is to find the best possible coach for both programs."
The Beacon Journal attempted to reach Jalwan and Dente by telephone, but voice messages were not immediately returned.
Dente is a 1989 Copley graduate who competed in basketball and track and field. As a coach, he has guided the Copley boys and girls teams to several Suburban League American Conference championships and multiple seasons with over 20 wins.
Dente has been Copley's boys basketball coach since the beginning of the 2010-2011 season and was tabbed to coach the girls basketball team in January of 2017. Prior to these appointments, he previously served as a Copley boys and girls basketball assistant coach and worked with the Copley Athletic Association Youth Basketball Program.
Under Dente, the Copley boys basketball team won a Division I district championship and advanced to a regional final in 2018 and the Copley girls basketball team won a Division II district title and made a regional semifinal appearance in 2022.
This is a developing story. Check back with BeaconJournal.com for updates.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Copley High School removes Mark Dente as boys, girls basketball coach
