Irmo's Matt Brophy placed on 'administrative leave' as head boys' soccer coachLexington Chronicle By THOMAS GRANT JR.
chroniclesports@yahoo.comFor the third time in three years, Irmo High School has a new varsity head boys soccer coach. Stephen Duerr, who has served as the junior varsity boys' soccer coach, was named to the varsity position on an interim basis two days ago. He replaced Matt Brophy, who succeeded longtime head coach Phil Savitz in 2013 following his departure to River Bluff. Savitz spent 33 seasons at Irmo, winning a state record 635 games and 14 championships.
In a statement released Thursday, Lexington-Richland District Five spokesman Mark Bounds said Brophy was “placed on administrative leave from his soccer coaching responsibilities at Irmo High School for violation of district and state student transportation policies”. He remains employed as a District Five teacher. Bounds added this is a pending personnel matter and could not comment any further.
Brophy led the Yellow Jackets to a 23-3-1 record, the Region 4-4A title and the third round of the Class 4A playoffs in his first season at the helm. He previously spent seven seasons at J.F. Byrnes School, leading the Rebels to back-to-back playoff berths in 2011 and 2012.
In Duerr's first game as interin head coach, Irmo shut out previously undefeated White Knoll 5-0 Wednesday at W.C. Hawkins Stadium. The Yellow Jackets are currently ranked fifth in the S.C. High School Soccer Coaches Association's Class 4A poll and travel to Ashley Ridge Friday.