Hermiston Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fred Maiocco announced on Wednesday that he will recommend former Hermiston High School Principal Dave Ego as the interim boys’ basketball coach for the 2015-16 season to the Board of Education at its September special meeting.
Ego will replace Jake McElligott who stepped down in August and is currently under investigation by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission for an alleged improper relationship with a former Irrigon High School student.
The recommendation to hire Ego follows a lengthy discussion in which the district decided to recommend an interim coach for this year, allowing for an extensive candidate search next year.
“Mr. Ego will provide us a year of clear expectations and standards, giving stability to a program that has experienced substantial turnover in the past four years,” said Hermiston High School Athletic Director Blaine Ganvoa.
Ego is a longtime Hermiston resident and former basketball coach at Hermiston High school. His knowledge of the community and his continued involvement in basketball were contributing factors in the district’s decision.
“I am really excited to be working with this year’s group of student athletes,” said Ego. “Attitude, behavior, commitment and discipline will be the driving force in everything we do, as we look forward to an outstanding and successful boys’ basketball program.”
The Bulldogs went 7-17 a year ago.
