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Mainland High School baseball coach resigns amid team trip controversy

An Instagram post shows the team on their last day in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

  • Atlantic County

What happened in Myrtle Beach did not stay in Myrtle Beach.

Mainland Regional High School baseball team's recent trip to the South Carolina town resulted in an incident that led to the resignation of the head coach and removal of an unpaid volunteer.

Head Coach Joe Smith stepped down Saturday after just one regular game.

A "parent information meeting" is set for 3:15 p.m. Monday in the high school library, Superintendent Mark Marrone told parents in an email obtained by BreakingAC.

"These actions were taken in response to concerns that came to district leadership's attention regarding a recent team trip," Marrone wrote. "The district is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, respect and integrity within our athletic programs."

The email mentions Smith by name, but not the unpaid volunteer. The only unpaid volunteer on the trip was Michael Sciubba.

Full details of the incident have not yet been disclosed by the school. It allegedly involved an adult outing after the players were in their hotel rooms, according to several sources. 

"That's a wrap. 8-0. Boys and parents had a blast," one father wrote in a Facebook post showing photos from the trip, followed by two crying laughing emojis.

Marrone and Principal Dr. David Jacobs "will be available to discuss the program changes, address your questions, and outline our commitment to providing a safe, supportive and respectful environment for our student-athletes," the email announcing the parents' meeting reads.

It is scheduled right before the team is set to take on Hammonton at 4 p.m.

Athletic Director Billy Kern — the former baseball coach — will take over coaching duties at the Hammonton game and in the interim until a new coach is hired, Marrone said.

"Our team remains focused on completing the 2026 season with professionalism and integrity," Marrone wrote. "the district is committed to supporting out student-athletes and maintaining the standards our program deserves."

A Booster Club meeting also is set for Monday evening after the game.


author

Lynda Cohen

BreakingAC founder who previously worked in newspapers for more than two decades. She is an NJPA award-winner and was a Stories of Atlantic City fellow.

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