St. Louis wants Lee to stay

Advertiser Staff

St. Louis School president Father Allen DeLong made his first public statements yesterday regarding football coach Cal Lee's announced resignation.

DeLong, who has been on the Mainland since before Lee's announcement last Saturday, said in a press release "the administration would like to see Cal remain on at St. Louis School, and we made an early decision to leave his position open in the event he would change his mind and stay on."

Lee has stated that he plans on coaching the Crusaders this season and then staying on as the school's athletic director, at least for the immediate future. Lee could not be reached for comment last night.

On Sunday, St. Louis principal Burton Tomita said that DeLong was not expected back on campus until July 17, and that Lee and DeLong would discuss the resignation shortly afterward. But in yesterday's release, DeLong said he already has been trying to talk to Lee about the decision.

"Over the last month, there has been a great deal of interest in the media and general public in regard to St. Louis School's football program and specifically, in our football coach," DeLong said. "During this time, I have been pursuing discussions with Coach Cal Lee to determine what his intentions are."

The rest of DeLong's statements heap praise upon Lee, who has helped deliver 15 Prep Bowl or state championships to St. Louis.

"I know that I speak for the entire St. Louis 'ohana, including our alumni, board, students, parents, faculty and staff, when I say how much we appreciate Cal Lee, his talent and his efforts at our school," DeLong said.