Unanswered prayers: Quincy School Board fires QHS softball coach despite show of support from team

QUINCY — After a three-hour executive session, the Quincy School Board voted to fire Quincy High School softball coach Darrell Henze for his actions after writing a social media post after learning his team would not have lights on its field for the 2025 season, which starts Monday.

A packed house of softball players and parents filled the board room at 1416 Maine. Most waited until just before 10 p.m. when the board came out after its closed session and unanimously voted to fire Henze without discussion.

Henze wrote on X on Jan. 23: “Due to lack of foresight, deception, and improper planning, QHS Softball and Baseball will be without lights this season with no real plan as to when lights will be reinstalled.” School administrators asked him to delete the post, and he refused.

Henze was then suspended without pay and was told the administration would recommend his termination in a Jan. 24 letter from Lisa Otten, director of personnel.

Otten wrote that she, QHS Principal Jody Steinke and QHS Athletic Director Kris Klingele met with Henze to discuss the “inaccurate post” he made.

“You were told the post was inaccurate and unprofessional and were asked to remove the post, to which you stated you would not,” Otten wrote. “You then stated, ‘The only way to get things done around here is to throw bitch fits.’ This comment was very concerning and was considered unprofessional and insubordinate. Your poor attitude during the meeting reflected an overall lack of respect for QPS and the softball program. Because of this, it was determined you are no longer a good fit for this position.”

Otten said she, Klingele and Steinke recommended Henze’s termination. The board’s action on Wednesday supported that recommendation.

Henze and his attorney, Casey Schnack, went into the closed meeting with the board. About 10 of Henze’s softball players sat in a circle on the floor and prayed their coach would be there for them when the first practice of the season begins on Monday.

After about an hour, the board allowed four players to come back and explain why Henze should stay. However, those pleas fell on deaf ears.

When the board took up the issue upon its return from the closed session, the seven members quickly voted to merely “accept the personnel addendum as revised” with no mention of Henze’s name.

Attorney Jeff Terry and Superintendent Todd Pettit ushered Henze into another room where he was presented with paperwork. His supporters were left wondering what had happened as no one from Quincy Public Schools explained the situation.

Board President Shelley Arns addressed the media and confirmed Henze’s employment had been terminated. Media members asked multiple questions, but Arns would not answer or elaborate.

Henze was to have begun his 11th season as QHS coach on Monday. Assistant Coach Anjay Heinecke will take over the team with Henze out.

Asked if he was surprised by the decision, Henze replied, “Yes and no.”

Players were in tears as Henze addressed them, telling them to play hard and work hard.

“I thought I had a good enough argument to sway the vote, but I had stated that, in all truthfulness leading up to this, that this would be it,” Henze said. “It would be unprecedented for a board to go against the recommendation of the administration. Did I think I made a good argument? Yes, I truly do. My goal, though, is ultimately to see that the softball program and the baseball program get what they have earned. Not what they deserve, but what they have earned.”

No one spoke during the public comment section of the meeting because people in attendance were confused with the process. Several other students were being recognized for music and fall sports achievements, so when Arns asked if anyone wanted to talk, audience members said they thought it was to talk about the students being honored. Henze’s situation had not yet been discussed.

During the lengthy executive session, parents and students felt they were not given the opportunity to speak. One parent talked to Terry and some board members before the group went into closed session. When they asked to address the board, Terry said “The answer is no.”

“I just don’t think it’s fair for the situation, because they didn’t even really get us a time to talk,” sophomore Ivy Winter said. “They don’t realize how truly hurtful this is, that this decision was made without really getting any of our input. I also don’t think they really talked or even thought about how much of a difference it’s going to make on our season coming forward … this season’s not going to be the same at all without Coach Henze. He has made us all who we are, and it would not be the way it is today without him.”

“For the school board to make this decision, like, it’s just sad,” sophomore Haley Tipton said. “They don’t know how much he’s helped our program and how much he’s made it grow. The fact that they just made this decision because they were because something they didn’t want outed was outed. I just think that they’re making themselves look even worse, and they’re trying to cover it up.”