VIENNA — At the Maries R-1 School Board’s December meeting Monday night, a letter of retirement as the Vienna High School Softball Coach was read. After 40 years of outstanding VHS softball, Coach Mick Byrd is retiring at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.

Vienna High School Principal Ian Murray read the retirement letter at the meeting. Coach Byrd said for those who supported he and Ellie during his career, “My family and I are grateful. Thank you.”   Forty years is a long time, his letter said.

Murray also read a resignation letter from Assistant Softball Coach Ellie Glick. She said it has been “my extreme pleasure” to coach at Vienna “where my heart lies. Due to family obligations” she feels it is necessary that she resign as assistant softball coach as of the 2021 school year. “I could not have been more proud to coach with my dad and the team that I have loved for my entire life,” her letter said. A new chapter starts for her and she looks forward to spending more time with her children and will continue to cheer on Vienna softball from the stands. She thanked the school district for the opportunity  which “allowed me to participate in making such amazing memories.”

Coach Byrd and Coach Glick are stepping away from their coaching positions on a high note as the VHS Softball Team is the current Missouri 1A State Champion.

School Board President Vicki Bade said the board accepts the retirement/resignation “with regret.”