Mike Randolph is speaking out about St. Thomas Academy’s departure

In a surprise move for a certain Mike Randolph, longtime Duluth East boys hockey bench boss, is now gone as head coach at St. Thomas Academy. After three seasons, the Cadets did not renew his contract. In a conversation with Alicia Tipcke of WDIO on Thursday, he explained why.

“I met with the athletic director, who was not involved in this decision. He told me they wouldn’t renew my contract, and I said ‘why’? He said ‘three simple reasons’. He said, “You didn’t make it to the banquet.” I didn’t, and the reason I couldn’t attend the banquet is because we had a snowstorm,” Randolph said. He explained that he still lived in Duluth and that traveling to St. Thomas Academy was not possible because the streets had not yet been plowed.

“And then he said, ‘You’re not visible enough at school or in the community.’ In other words, you never really bought a house or committed to it.” Randolph explained that he was clear about maintaining his home with his wife in Duluth, both because of their love for the area and her involvement in the community. He did rent a place near the school.

“Then the third thing, the little thing he said, is that some parents are questioning the style of play. And I think that’s a matter of opinion. I wouldn’t change the style of play based on input from someone who has never coached in their life. I always base the playing style on the team I get.”

Randolph took the Cadets to back-to-back sectional title games and said the move was a surprise. During his time at St. Thomas Academy, he compiled an overall record of 49-30-3, earning his 707th career victory. That equals the all-time winning record.

“The winning record is not important to me, I have never done it for the winning record. I did it because I enjoy coaching children. I think I have an influence on children. I have a phone full of texts, emails and cards sent to me about the impact I had on their lives,” Randolph shares. “I hope I end up somewhere. I’m already getting calls, but it has to be suitable for them and for me.”

Randolph added that he is only interested in coaching at the high school level. He also said that if the right fit isn’t available, he’s okay with taking the winter off.

St. Thomas Academy officially announced the hiring of Mark Strobel as Randolph’s replacement. He was the associate head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers men’s hockey team and previously served as an assistant for the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). Randolph indicated that prior to this official decision, the school appeared to have Strobel in its sights to take over.

RELATED STORY: Mike Randolph as head hockey coach at St. Thomas Academy.