Herrick’s Suspension by Hart Rescinded

Greg Herrick, former boys’ basketball coach at Hart High, has recorded a victory against the William S. Hart Union High School District.

A labor mediator rescinded a one-game suspension given to Herrick last season by Hart Principal Laurence Strauss and stated that Strauss’ action violated the labor agreement between the district and the Hart District Teachers Assn.

The ruling called for the removal from district files of the notice of the suspension and all related documents. In addition, Strauss issued a public apology to Herrick, 39, who left Hart last June to become women’s coach at College of the Canyons.

Strauss suspended Herrick on Dec. 16, 1991, 10 days after the coach shouted at an official after a Hart loss in the Saugus tournament. The referee filed a protest with the school.

“In light of the recent arbitrator’s findings . . . I would like to publicly apologize to Mr. Herrick for my action and for any damage to his professional reputation,” Strauss wrote in a letter mailed to The Times.

Herrick admitted he became enraged at the official and that he used profanity. However, he challenged Strauss’ authority to levy a suspension and filed a grievance through the teachers’ union.

“To me, it’s vindication,” Herrick said. “My reputation was damaged. It was a public embarrassment. It’s been over a year, but I’m still angry about it.”

The suspension, Herrick said, typified a stormy five-year relationship with Strauss and ultimately contributed to his decision to resign after last season.

Herrick began coaching at Hart in 1987 and led the Indians to Foothill League titles in 1991 and 1992.

At Canyons, Herrick has led the Cougars to a 6-8 start, including the championship of the Mt. San Jacinto tournament.