Firing stuns Cheyenne coach

Cheyenne High School football players and parents are seeking an explanation for the firing of head coach Charles Anthony after five seasons.

Anthony wouldn’t mind one, either.

The coach, who had a 43-15 record with the Desert Shields, was dismissed Wednesday during a meeting with Cheyenne principal Jeff Geihs.

“I decided to go in a different direction next school year,” Geihs said Friday.

Asked why Anthony, 40, was fired, Geihs said, “Nothing specific. Coach Anthony is a good man, and his heart’s in the right place. I wish him nothing but luck in the future.”

Anthony said he has “no animosity” toward Geihs but acknowledged he was surprised by the decision.

“I’m at a loss of words because I can’t describe what I’m going to do next,” Anthony said. “All I know is being at Cheyenne High School and coaching those kids.”

Asked if he would continue teaching physical education at the school, Anthony said: “I would love to, but I don’t know if that’s my decision.”

Several parents of Cheyenne players called the Review-Journal to express concern over Anthony’s firing.

Shawn Spencer, a Cheyenne parent and booster club president, said approximately 20 players approached Geihs’ office Friday to discuss the firing but were turned away.

“My question is, what other direction would you be going in when Charles has had a winning season every year he’s been here?” Spencer said.

The Desert Shields were 10-2 last season and reached the Sunset Region semifinals.