Parents and student/athletes spoke out in defense of two Mathews High School baseball coaches at the start of Tuesday’s Mathews County School Board meeting in the MHS media center.

Varsity head coach Pat Beattie and junior varsity coach Billy Cook had been informed last week by the athletic director that their services would no longer be needed for the 2020 season, according to Cook, who said he was told a faculty member had expressed interest in taking over the program.

A number of parents and members of the MHS baseball team pleaded with the school board to reverse its decision—although the decision has not yet been made by the school board, and had not been included in among Tuesday night’s recommended personnel action items.

“A little respect could have gone a long way,” Beattie said of being informed last week that his services were no longer required. “I am sorry that it ended the way it ended,” he said. “It should be review...