Rollins out as R.V. baseball coach

River Valley High's head baseball coach Billy Rollins was asked to reapply for his position by a school administrator recently.

The Appeal-Democrat learned of the news on Tuesday and Rollins confirmed his dismissal on Wednesday evening.

School administrators chose not to speak on the issue.

"It's a personnel matter, and I don't have a comment at this time," said River Valley athletic director Will Dawson.

Dawson asked that questions be directed to Principal Tom Reusser. Reusser did not return phone calls from the Appeal-Democrat.

Rollins was confused and distraught after receiving the news, but he certainly didn't take the time he had as the skipper for the past three years for granted.

"I'm proud of the success we had at the program while I reigned," Rollins said. "We were the first male sport to win a playoff game."

The Falcons finished the 2012 season with a 21-8 record and rallied to beat Whitney 6-5 on May 14 in a Sac-Joaquin Section Division III opener at River Valley. It was the first playoff win for the baseball program.

The Falcons lost 12-1 to Placer three days later.

Under Rollins, River Valley went 52-33 overall and reached the postseason in all three seasons.

But for Rollins, coaching wasn't just about wins and losses.

"I cherished each relationship I had with the players, coaches and opposing coaches over the past six years," said Rollins, who served as a junior varsity coach for three seasons before being named head coach of the varsity team in 2010.

He replaced Todd Artist, who served as Rollins' assistant for the past two years.

"I was disappointed when I received news that the position would be reopened," Rollins said.

As of Thursday, there had been no word on who will replace Rollins.

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