Wesche resigns as Naugy hoops coach

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NAUGATUCK — Kevin Wesche has stepped down as Naugatuck High’s head boys’ basketball coach, and a successor will likely be named by Friday.

NHS Athletic Director Tom Pompei confirmed Monday afternoon that Wesche resigned after the Greyhounds finished a 1-19 campaign, the worst of the coach’s 15-year tenure. Pompei said he does not believe the Hounds’ struggles were the reason for Wesche’s decision.

“I don’t think it was that,” Pompei said. “I think he just … it had been a long time, and he does all three sports. He coaches all three seasons. I don’t know if it was a lot for him or what. He just said he thought it was time for a change.”

Wesche's winning percentage dropped over his last five seasons, but Naugy AD Tom Pompei says the coach was not pressured to resign.
Wesche's winning percentage dropped over his last five seasons, but Naugy AD Tom Pompei says the coach was not pressured to resign.

Wesche will remain Naugatuck’s head softball coach and assistant volleyball coach. His career record as basketball skipper was 152-185 (.451). He was 95-94 in his first decade at the helm but just 57-91 over the last five seasons.

Despite his recently declining winning percentage, Wesche was not pressured to resign by the school or any other group, according to Pompei.

“Not to my knowledge,” Pompei said. “Kevin puts in countless hours and takes so much of his own free time and sacrifices so much of his own life for these kids. He’s here probably more than anybody else. I’m surprised he hasn’t thrown a cot down there for himself. … I said, ‘Kevin, I’m grateful for everything you did. You do more for these kids than just about anybody.’”

Pompei said he has scheduled interviews this week with four coaching candidates and expects to make a hire by Friday. He declined to name the candidates or indicate a frontrunner.

Wesche was leading softball practice Monday afternoon and could not be reached for comment.