Camden basketball coach Stargell resigns

Citing personal issues as well as outside interference with one of South Jersey's most accomplished basketball programs, Camden High School coach Mike Stargell has announced his resignation.

Stargell said that Camden athletic director Al Dyer would become the team's interim coach, starting with Tuesday night's home game against Paul VI.

Dyer declined comment today.

Stargell, who replaced legendary former Camden coach Clarence Turner midway in the 2007-08 season, said he met with Camden principal Al Davis this morning and handed in his resignation.

Davis was not available for comment.

Stargell said that his top assistant, Charles McKenzie, also has resigned.

Stargell said he was frustrated by the fact that the varsity team has lost eight players over the last year and a half, some as transfers, others to academic ineligibility.

"I've had more kids not able to participate, for a lot of reasons, than have been able to participate," Stargell said.

Stargell also said that outside influences on some of his players had hampered his ability to run the program.

"When the coach loses the ability to make decisions for his players, that's a very difficult situation," Stargell said. "That's part of the reason for my decision."

Stargell also mentioned personal issues that are limiting his ability to devote his full attention to the program.

Camden is 0-4 this season. The Panthers host 4-0 Paul VI, the No. 3 team in South Jersey in The Inquirer's top 10, Tuesday at 5:15 p.m.

"It's not because we're 0-4," Stargell said of his decision. "It's a lot more than our record right now."

Stargell, who had been an assistant coach at Woodrow Wilson and Camden in previous seasons, became Camden's head coach in February 2008 after Turner was suspended because of an eligibility controversy involving a Camden player.

Turner retired after that season.

In 2008-2009, Stargell led Camden to a 22-6 record and the South Jersey Group 2 championship. The Panthers had a 16-point halftime lead in the state title game but lost, 69-66, to Science Park.

Last season, Camden went 10-11, losing to Middle Township in the second round of the South Jersey Group 2 tournament.

"I have mixed feelings," said Stargell, a history teacher in the Camden district. "But this is the best decision for me at this time."