Longtime coach Don Bussler resigns abruptly from Lakeview girls basketball position

Don Bussler, one of the longest-tenured coaches in the city, has abruptly resigned after Lakeview placed him on administrative leave for undisclosed reasons.

Bussler, the longtime coach of the Lakeview girls basketball team, will not be on the bench tonight as interim coach Blake Shaw will be the head coach when the Spartans open the season at home vs. Coldwater.

Getting ready to start his 26th season leading the Lakeview girls program, Bussler announced his resignation on Monday, after being told the district was putting him on administrative leave. Lakeview School District would not comment why Bussler was put on administrative leave, citing that it was a personnel issue.

Bussler, 50, was nearing 400 wins for his career. He led Lakeview to a 13-9 season last year. In 2017, Bussler was Enquirer All-City Girls Basketball Coach of the Year after the Spartans had won their third district championship in a row and enjoyed a 21-win campaign.

Bussler also did not want to comment on the circumstances around his resignation, but did want to say he was thankful for the kind words he has received from those around the Spartan basketball family.

"I want to thank those that have offered their support in numerous ways," Bussler said. "It's very humbling and greatly appreciated. If you've been a supporter of mine in the past or as early as yesterday, you have no reason to question that loyalty today. Thank you for your continued support."

Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com or 269-966-0678. Follow him on Twitter: @billbroderick.

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