Dr. Ronald Wise talks with another coach on the sidelines during a previous football game before he took over the Gators’ program.
File photo
Spring Creek High School will have a new football coach in the Gators’ 2025 campaign, as Dr. Ronald Wise, who had served in the position for two years, abruptly resigned this week.
With many factors playing into his decision — which he listed in his resignation letter addressed to SCHS principal Jagtar Singh — Wise noted that this decision was “difficult” for him, but he is willing to stay on board to help with the hiring of a new coach.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as head football coach of Spring Creek High School,” his letter reads. “To ensure the best for our student-athletes, I am willing to assist in the interviewing and vetting process for my successor. It is crucial that we find a qualified coach who can provide the guidance and support these young men deserve.”
Citing a myriad of issues, Wise noted “challenges during offseason workouts, spring ball, and game days,” which were compounded by obstacles presented by administrators that the former football coach named specifically in the letter.
“The decision to resign is difficult for me, as I have dedicated significant time and effort to the development of our student-athletes, with whom I have formed deep and meaningful bonds,” his letter continues. “Unfortunately, the ongoing issues within the program have made it impossible for me to fulfill my commitments to them.”
Wise’s letter opened with the recanting of a situation that took place on the evening of Feb. 12. “I arrived at Spring Creek High School to meet with a college recruiter regarding several of our student-athletes. Upon my arrival, I realized that the film we needed to discuss was in my office, located inside the SCHS weight room. To my shock, when I attempted to enter my office, I found that the lock had been changed without any prior notification. As the head football coach of record, I believe it is concerning that I have not been informed of this change over the past three business weeks,” he detailed in his letter.
While the situation earlier this month was the one that ultimately drove the coach to resign, he outlined a pattern of alleged misconduct from many members of the SCHS staff and administration.
“Since taking on this role, I have encountered a series of challenges, including the resignation of all assistant coaches citing ‘burnout’ just after I was appointed. Then those same coaches locked me out of the football office when I took the job, and are now coaching everything, while I am ‘boxed’ out of coaching other sports,” the letter continues. “I have had to defend the eligibility of student-athletes and witness instances of harassment towards them on game days. It has been disturbing to see a toxic environment permeate various aspects of our school community, impacting not just the student-athletes but also the integrity of our football program.”
Wise continued in his writings, outlining what he believes the student-athletes on the football team need.
“The student-athletes deserve a supportive, experienced coach who can help them realize their full potential, including opportunities for college scholarships. Regrettably, I find myself without the necessary support from other coaches, administrators, and the athletic department to effectively lead this program,” he said, in his resignation.
As part of his letter, he continued to address the need for a new, well-qualified coach for the Gators. “I will also encourage parents and guardians to actively express the importance of hiring a qualified, well-trained and experienced head coach to ensure the needs of our athletes are met and they are fielded safely … The student-athletes deserve the best, and I hope the school community will prioritize this necessity.”
The Gators were a combined 1-18 under Wise since he took the reins in 2023. Their lone win came in their 2024 game against Union, a 54-34 victory for Spring Creek.
