Rockdale Citizen

COVINGTON -- Brad Weir made the toughest decision of his career when he decided to walk away from a job and team he loves when he decided to resign as Eastside's baseball coach after one year.

Even though it was a hard decision, the decision to take care of his mother made it an easy decision.

"I lost my father about a year ago and my mom is up here by herself so it's a family issue that you have to come back and take care of the things you have to take care of," Weir said. "Baseball is secondary when it comes to your family."

Besides working with an outstanding team, Weir is also appreciative of having worked with such a dedicated administration.

"It's one of the hardest jobs I've ever had to leave. I got to work with an outstanding principal. Mr. (Dennis) Roddenberry was wonderful to work for; (athletic director) Dr. (Bruce) McColumn was wonderful to work for. I had an outstanding group of kids that would work and work and work. You just couldn't work them enough," Weir said.

"It's a little bit late in the game so I don't know who they'll go after (for head coach). I'm not sure if it'll be somebody on staff or if it'll be open. I'm not sure what their ideas are."

Besides taking the staff and administration a little by surprise. He also caught the team off guard informing them on a bus trip after a game.

"I think they were shocked, as the others were. It's always tough to have the guys for one year. They've had some success because of their hard work. But they'll be fine. They know how things are suppose to be done now and hopefully coach (Rick) Hurst, Dr. McColumn and Mr. (Jeff) Cher will find somebody to replace me that will continue what we started."

Even though Weir loves the team and the players, he is glad he will not face them next season. As a result of realignment, Eastside will move up to Class AAAA while his new school, the Dade County Wolverines in Trenton, will remain in Class AA.

"Thank goodness," Weir said. "I sure wouldn't want to run into that group of kids we have coming back. They had an outstanding summer."

The Eagles had a good summer going 11-5 while playing some tough competition, according to Weir.

"I'm happy I got to work with the kids and the parents at Eastside. There's no hard feelings on either part. I think the parents understood what we had to do and why we did it," he said. "We're leaving on good terms and I wish everyone nothing but the best."