Mainland Regional High School baseball coach resigns

District launches review after incident during preseason trip

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:24pm

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Mainland Regional High School is searching for an interim head baseball coach after Joe Smith resigned from his position effective March 27. The resignation follows an incident during a preseason trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The district has initiated a comprehensive review of the matter and removed a volunteer coach from the coaching staff on March 26.

Why it matters

The resignation of the head baseball coach at Mainland Regional High School raises concerns about the program's leadership and the district's commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for student-athletes. The district's response and investigation into the incident will be closely watched by the community.

The details

According to the news release, the district was made aware of concerns related to the recent team trip and has initiated a comprehensive review of those matters. The district stated that no students are the subject of this investigation and no students are alleged to have engaged in any wrongdoing. A volunteer coach was also removed from the coaching staff on March 26.

  • Joe Smith resigned from his position as head baseball coach effective March 27, 2026.
  • The Mustangs won the 51st Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic last season, Smith's first with Mainland.
  • Mainland topped Hammonton 7-2 in the season opener on March 26, 2026, but with a new coach.

The players

Joe Smith

The former head baseball coach at Mainland Regional High School who resigned effective March 27, 2026.

Mark Marrone

The Chief School Administrator at Mainland Regional High School who issued a statement regarding the resignation and the district's review of the incident.

Billy Kern

The Athletic Director at Mainland Regional High School who will take over the baseball program while an interim head coach is sought. Kern previously led the Mustang baseball team to a state championship in 2014.

Michael Gatley

The former Athletic Director at Mainland Regional High School who retired, leading to Kern's promotion to the position.

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What they’re saying

“'The district was made aware of concerns related to a recent team trip and has initiated a comprehensive review of those matters. This review is ongoing, and the district is committed to addressing any issues identified with the seriousness they deserve.'”

— Mark Marrone, Chief School Administrator

“'Our athletes deserve to be in an environment where they are safe, respected and supported to achieve both on and off the field. When concerns are brought to our attention, we take them seriously and respond with the thoroughness they require. … Importantly, no students are the subject of this investigation, and no students are alleged to have engaged in any wrongdoing.'”

— Mark Marrone, Chief School Administrator

“'AD Kern's immediate availability to stabilize the program ensures continuity and stability for our players, and I'm confident in his leadership and commitment to our athletes.'”

— Mark Marrone, Chief School Administrator

What’s next

The district is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for student-athletes and is conducting a comprehensive review of the incident that led to the head baseball coach's resignation. The district will seek an interim head coach to lead the program while the review is ongoing.

The takeaway

The resignation of the Mainland Regional High School baseball coach highlights the importance of maintaining high standards of program oversight, coach conduct, and student-athlete welfare in high school sports. The district's response and investigation will be closely watched by the community to ensure the safety and well-being of the student-athletes.