By Raychael Moseley / Managing Editor

After three weeks of suspension due to an incident at a home soccer game, Mike Machholz has announced his resignation as Missouri Valley College’s athletic director.

Machholz released a letter written to the coaches of MVC thanking them for their dedication to the athletic department and explaining his resignation. In the letter, he explained the reason he has been on suspension.

“Many rumors have been circulating and I want to end all speculations related to it,” he wrote. “This was a complete accident where many students came onto the field of play during a game. When I attempted to run to the fray I accidentally pushed a student to avoid a collision. Ultimately this student suffered minor scratches from falling. As a result, I was sent home two days later after a video of the incident surfaced.” 

Machholz then goes on to explain that he was removed from his position as Athletic Director and given two options by the school.

“I have been removed as Athletic Director of MVC and given two options after almost 35 yrs of loyal service: 1). Retire with 2 months pay and sign an NDA or 2). Take a 38% pay cut and two step demotion,”  Machholz explained.

When asked about Machholz’s removal and his letter, the college declined to comment. 

Meanwhile, many student-athletes were left shocked after hearing the news, expressing a range of opinions on the matter. 

Student athlete Kyleigh Browning said she agrees with the school’s decision.

“I understand the chaos of people running onto the field, but putting your hands on a student stunned me,” she said. “I think the school’s response was logical. He posed as almost a threat to students in that instant, so I would’ve done the same thing.”

However, athletes like Naomi Curry think differently.

“I’m sad about him leaving because he did so much for the athletic department,” she said. “He was a great AD and supported all his sports and pushed us to do our best. I feel like he should have served his leave and then came back.”

Machholz finished out his letter by stating he wasn’t above taking the proposed demotion, but felt he no longer had a place at MVC.

“I have never been above hard work and often cleaned the restrooms, among other things, as the AD, but I can not feel good about continuing to serve this institution when I no longer fit the current administration’s vision,” he wrote. “Good luck, and continue the good fight.”

In addition to serving MVC in various roles over the last 35 years, Machholz has been inducted into numerous sports halls of fame, including five times as a coach in the MVC Sports Hall of Fame. He is 1984 graduate of the college.