Dozens of parents, students and players packed a Magnolia ISD monthly board meeting Jan. 11, most in support of the recently ousted Magnolia West High School (MWHS) head football coach David Joiner, who was removed from his position Jan. 8 and transferred to a junior high, eventually resigning from the district later last week.

The standing-room-only meeting was filled with emotion as players and parents spoke before the Board and a teary-eyed audience about the impact Joiner’s departure has had on the players and families.

“I think the coach always kept the kids interested and at the same time making them better men,” said Barry Carter, whose son Barry Carter, Jr., is a member of the Mustang football team and had been coached by Joiner since intermediate school. “He’s a great man.”

Steve Knolles, who has a son in the Magnolia West athletic program and another son coming next year, echoed that sentiment.

“He’s a man of integrity and great character,” he said. “We want him back.”

One man, who asked not to be identified, attended the meeting in support of the school district’s decision to remove Joiner from his position. He said they made “the right decision,” but did not elaborate on why he agreed.

At one point, more than two dozen football players solemnly gathered to speak during the audience participation portion of the meeting, quoting verses from the Bible and speaking of “losing their leader.”

“We had a great Christian man,” one player said, choking back tears. “Due to recent fuzzy events, we are now deprived of that man.”

“We don’t want to lose him,” he said, adding that it would have a negative effect on the entire community.

Joiner had been the Mustangs football coach since the school’s opening four years ago. The program only began fielding a varsity team two years ago.

By law, board members are not allowed to respond or speak to any person who speaks during the participation portion of the meeting.

Magnolia ISD Superintendent Dr. Todd Stephens said last week that the district could not speak in-depth about personnel matters, including the circumstances surrounding Joiner’s removal, but read a prepared statement regarding the situation.

“Dave Joiner, head football coach at Magnolia West High School, resigned his position at Magnolia ISD. Coach Joiner had been with Magnolia ISD for seven years. During the past four years he served as head coach at Magnolia West High School. We wish him well in his future professional football coaching endeavors.”

Joiner himself remained tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding his departure from the school district.

“All I can tell you is I have resigned and I’m no longer working for the district and it’s probably best at this time that I get excited about my future and it’s best I don’t comment at this time,” he said.

The former coach, who spoke with the Tribune last Thursday, said he resigned at 8 a.m. the morning of Jan. 14.

It is unclear who will take over the head coach position at MWHS next year.

Joiner led the Mustangs to a 4-6 overall record in 2009.

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