Aldrich Leaving North Clay to Coach College Baseball

We often have stories about coaches who take school administrators' jobs.

It's not too often when we tell you about an administrator leaving to become a coach.

Such is the case, though, with North Clay Superintendent Monty Aldrich, who is leaving the district to coach baseball at Southwestern Illinois College. Aldrich explained Tuesday by e-mail that the college had major budget cuts and the previous baseball coach had departed. He decided to take the job, suggesting that "wild hair" you sometimes get led to his decision.

If you aren't aware, Aldrich was a highly-successful baseball player in high school and college and was drafted by the Atlanta Braves organization in 1985, playing a season of Rookie League ball. So, he knows whereof he speaks when it comes to baseball.

Southwestern Illinois College's main campus is in Belleville, but also has locations in Granite City and Red Bud, plus 20 off-campus locations including Scott Air Force Base. It's the fifth-largest community college in Illinois.

As for North Clay, Aldrich said he will remain superintendent until the Board chooses a successor. The Board, at a special meeting Friday night, amended Aldrich's contract to reflect his lessened availability. He will work remotely and travel to Louisville on an as-needed basis.

The Board Friday considered a motion to hire Jeff Strieker as superintendent, but the motion failed 3-2 with one abstention. One other board member had left the meeting before the motion to Strieker was considered.

So, Aldrich is still superintendent at North Clay for now, and the new baseball coach of Southwestern Illinois College.