Updated: Superintendent of CHUH Schools Plans to Recommend New Boys' Varsity Basketball Coach

Superintendent Doug Heuer plans to recommend Euclid coach Andy Suttell to be the new boys' varsity basketball coach for Cleveland Heights High School at the July 5 school board meeting.

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District received 66 applications from people who wanted to be the coach at Heights High. 

Nine interviewed with the district, and according to a press release, the "lengthy search process" involved administrators, boosters, parents and students. 

Barry Egan was one of the nine who interviewed for the position. The former basketball coach's . The district made the announcement in April but did not say why the decision was made. 

“The boys' basketball team at Cleveland Heights High School played tough and achieved much success throughout the 2010-2011 season," said Kristin Hughes said in a press release from the school in April. The team's record for the 2010-2011 season was 16-7. "While we look forward to next season and even more success, we have discussed our plans for next season with Coach Barry Egan and agree that we will pursue a different coaching direction."

A handful of , and asked the district to rethink its decision. 

"In the end, Mr. Suttell's ability to inspire excellence, not only on the basketball court, but in the classroom is what won the screening committee and the athletic director over," said Heuer in a press release. 

The CHUH School Board must approve the hire, and if it does, Suttell will be a teacher in the Opportunity Lab, which helps students who are behind in earning credits at CHHS. 

Hughes said that the district will be fortunate to have Suttell, who has also been a head coach at Cuyahoga Heights High School and Hawken School. 

“He has values, integrity and outstanding moral character. I’m confident he will serve as an excellent role model for our student athletes and challenge them in a positive and respectful manner," Hughes said in a press release. "I look forward to Coach Suttell beginning his tenure at CHUH. He will help our basketball program achieve unprecedented success.”