A groundswell of community support has followed the sudden dismissal of Healdsburg High School baseball coach Justin Herrguth this month, setting into motion a grassroots effort to get him reinstated.
Herrguth, a longtime coach and official in the Healdsburg Little League before going on to coach at Sonoma Academy and HHS, took over the Greyhounds’ baseball program in 2014 and has been among the most community involved figures in youth sports during that time.
The firing of the popular coach and teacher came on the heels of a tumultuous 2018 high school campaign that ended with an overall record of 4-19, with several members of the team quitting for undisclosed reasons at midseason.
Despite expressing shock and disappointment following his dismissal, Herrguth reflected on a positive experience in leading the HHS baseball program.
“I was grateful for the opportunity and privilege,” he said. “All we did was give our best and I’m proud of everything we accomplished and stood for.”
Although members of the HHS administration declined comment on the situation due to it being a personnel matter, Healdsburg Union School District Superintendent Chris Vanden Heuvel was quick to praise the former coach in a recent statement.
“Justin Herrguth is a great person and has been a very positive contributor in our community, especially with youth baseball,” Vanden Heuvel said. “However, the decision was made to move HHS baseball in a different direction. We wish coach Herrguth all the best and are grateful for his contributions to our school and the greater Healdsburg community.”
In addition to Herrguth’s duties as the former HHS coach, he’s been heavily involved in promoting youth baseball, bridging the gap between Healdsburg Little League and the high school.
“I could say tons about all Justin has done for Healdsburg Little League and I can tell you my experience as a parent on the HHS baseball team from 2013-2015,” longtime HLL President Cindy Beth said. “I’ve always known him to be respectful, while demanding respect and accountability, while holding others to be accountable. His love of the game is infectious and he strives to get the very best from his players.”
The news of Herrguth’s firing was followed by a firestorm on social media, with hundreds of comments overwhelmingly calling for his reinstatement, while sharing personal experiences about the coach.
“Henry was having a really hard time in eighth grade and it was Justin Herrguth’s kind, firm, guiding hand that provided the light for our son that helped him get through,” said Jenifer Gomez by email. “We will forever be grateful to Justin for his guidance during one of our family’s toughest times.”
At press time dozens of Healdsburg community members were preparing to attend a school district board meeting June 13 to protest Herrguth’s firing and call for his immediate reinstatement.
