News Summary

Stuart Cramer High School’s football coach, Ben McMillan, has been dismissed amid allegations of a toxic culture and bullying within the team. His departure follows years of declining performance and growing parental dissatisfaction. Complaints from parents highlighted issues such as favoritism and punitive coaching methods. Despite the controversies, McMillan will remain at the school as a teacher and golf coach while the search for a new football coach begins, with hopes of revitalizing the program.

Stuart Cramer High School Football Coach Dismissed Amid Claims of Toxic Culture

In a surprising turn of events in Gastonia, the football program at Stuart Cramer High School is in the spotlight after the dismissal of coach Ben McMillan, who has been at the helm since the school’s inception in 2013. After eleven seasons, McMillan’s tenure came to an abrupt end in January 2025, leading many to wonder what really went wrong.

A Rocky Road to Dismissal

During his time, McMillan finished with a record of 44 wins and 75 losses. Unfortunately, his last few seasons raised eyebrows as the team only managed to win 6 out of 31 games during that stretch, leaving them with a disheartening 6-25 record. This decline in performance didn’t sit well with parents and basketball enthusiasts alike, igniting dissatisfaction that would ultimately lead to his dismissal.

Documents released from Gaston County Schools reveal that the complaints against McMillan were serious. Between August 1, 2024, and January 10, 2025, the district received around 20 emails, with parents citing a “toxic” culture within the program. Concerns escalated further after a halftime incident during a game against South Point, where a heated outburst from McMillan went viral on social media, capturing the frustration felt by many.

Allegations of Bullying and Favoritism

One email, sent on October 16, 2024, described incidents in which McMillan allegedly bullied and intimidated student athletes. Concerns were raised about his coaching style, with claims that instead of promoting teamwork, he resorted to humiliating exercises as punitive measures. The district later clarified that such exercises were meant to encourage discipline and were part of training, though the negative sentiments grew louder.

Further compounding the situation, another email sent on October 26 criticized McMillan’s coaching, stating that he seemed more focused on the performance of his son than on the overall team. Such allegations only fueled worries among parents that the football program was “on its deathbed,” in dire need of intervention.

Parental Concerns and Administrative Action

The dissatisfaction among parents grew to the point where some were even advising others to transfer their children to different schools, highlighting the *serious perception* of toxicity in the program. Concerns were also echoed by a Board member who urged administrative action, indicating a widespread lack of confidence in the coaching staff.

What’s Next for Stuart Cramer Football?

Despite the controversies, McMillan remains a teacher at Gaston County Schools and continues to coach the boys’ golf team. As of March 2025, Stuart Cramer High School has not yet filled the vacant football coach position. The school had posted a job listing that drew an impressive 22 applications, with a staggering 20 of those coming from outside the district. Interviews are currently underway as the school seeks to find someone who can restore faith and momentum in the football program.

As the dust settles on McMillan’s departure, it’s clear that the path ahead for Stuart Cramer Football is filled with challenges. With parent support wavering and performances concerning, the new coach will have to navigate a tricky landscape, working to rebuild relationships and transform the team’s performance.

The future of the program hangs in the balance, but one thing is for sure—everyone involved will be watching closely as this new chapter unfolds at Stuart Cramer High School.

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