Perry Brown had arguably the most storied career of any Iron Range swimmer, both in the pool and for nearly five decades as a coach.
On Monday, his 10-year tenure at what is now Rock Ridge came to an unceremonious end.
The school board voted 3-2 to not renew his head coaching contract for the girls and boys swim teams, following several complaints about his style, temperament and an allusion to a physical altercation.
“From all we know, behind the scenes, there’s a lot,” said Director Nicole Culbert-Dahl. “There’s a lot that we’ve heard.”
The board was able to publicly discuss Brown’s status and ask questions because the coach chose an open meeting setting. Coaches up for non renewal can opt to do it behind closed doors with administration, or in front of the public.
Director Jodi Westby questioned Brown and the board about a “physical allegation” among the complaints. “What was that? Was there an allegation of laying on of hands or something like that?”
Superintendent Dr. Noel Schmidt said he would not go into details.
“Of the ones we were aware of, we did investigate, we did look into them, we did talk to athletes,” he said. “What you have in front of you is the letter we gave Perry, and that is the reason we are recommending not continuing the contract.”
Brown appealed to the board citing his long run of success at Eveleth, Biwabik, Mesabi East and later the Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert schools that formed Rock Ridge.
In his 47 years, he said, his swimmers missed qualifying for state only a handful of times.
“I don’t get along with everybody,” Brown said. “I do some things that are not the best for every athlete.”
Several former students, parents and coaches spoke during the school board’s public comment period advocating for both sides of the decision to renew his contract or not.
Former swimmers supporting him cited Brown as the reason they succeeded and moved onto the college level. Others gave a character reference.
Those requesting his non renewal spoke of a toxic and hostile culture on the swim team due to Brown. They said the coach’s attitude and philosophy toward some athletes and coaches reduced participation numbers.
Brown countered that he has recently re-evaluated what his coaching philosophy is, boiling it down to safety, sportsmanship, winning with grace and losing with dignity.
“What I’m wondering, because I enjoy swimming so much and enjoy coaching so much,” he said. “That I would humbly ask for a second chance to let me coach another season.”
Long silences existed as the board considered the non renewal resolution. Schmidt clarified that he was present for Brown’s end-of-season meeting with Activities Director Josh Lamppa, noting some coaching decisions land on administration and not the athletics committee.
Directors Brandi Lautigar, Culbert-Dahl and Jennifer Bonner voted for the non renewal. Directors Lisa Westby and Jodi Westby voted against. Directors John Uhan and Tim Riordan were not present.
“These are difficult decisions, and I do respect all the years you’ve put in,” Lautigar said, noting the many years she has known Brown. “If there’s any truth to any of the allegations, I have to trust that the people are giving the accurate information.”
Accessing the Rock Ridge School Board
Rock Ridge School Board agendas, material and minutes can be found on the district’s website. Livesteams and meeting recordings are available on YouTube.
