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Coach’s absence creates uncertainty

By Erin Valois

Sports Editor

The men’s basketball team not only lost their playoff game this week – they are temporarily losing their head coach too.

Ryerson’s director of Athletics, Ivan Joseph, announced on March 2 that Glenn Taylor is on a paid leave of absence for undisclosed reasons.

Joseph was unable to comment on the issue.

And Taylor also could not comment on his absence. This is his fourth season with the team.

He coached the Rams to a 28-60 record and two playoff appearances.

Joseph said Patrick Williams, a fitness specialist at the Recreation and Athletics Centre, will be the team’s interim coach.

Williams runs elite development camps in the summer and coached the men’s basketball squad from 2003 to 2005 to a record of 1-43.

He also spent time as an assistant coach for the men’s team.

“I’m here to ensure the players have safety, security, and support,” he said.

“It’s our priority to make sure the players have someone to go to.”

It’s been a hard week for the team. With a brutal two-point loss to York University in the playoffs, coupled with allegations that first-year Afeworki Gebrekerstos was involved in a residence fight and the addition of a temporary coach for an unknown amount of time – the Rams are in a state of confusion.

Forward Boris Bakovic said they decided as a team not to talk about Taylor’s absence.

He didn’t even know an interim coach had been named.

“I really don’t know what’s going on right now,” he said.

Joseph said assistant coach Richard Dean, who has been with the men’s team for 11 years, would also be able to provide support during this time of uncertainty.

The absence comes at an important time when new recruits are deciding on a university and searching for a stable program.

 

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