Apalachee High School head football coach stepping down after mass shooting
Apalachee HS coach focuses on mental health after mass shooting
Apalachee High School's head football coach stepped down nearly six months after the deadly mass shooting at the school. Mike Hancock admits he's struggled with PTSD, anxiety, grief and depression. Now, he wants to focus on helping himself and other coaches work through mental health issues.
BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - Apalachee High School head football coach Mike Hancock is stepping down, citing post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, grief, and depression in the wake of a deadly school shooting last September.
Hancock announced his resignation on social media, sharing that he has been working with a Christian counselor over the past several months.
The backstory:
The shooting at Apalachee High School claimed the lives of two students and two teachers, including Hancock’s defensive coordinator, Richard Aspinwall. Also killed were teacher Cristina Irimie and 14-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo.
Following the tragedy, the school’s football team canceled two games and finished the season with an 0-8 record.
Hancock has served as Apalachee’s head coach since 2018.
What they're saying:
In the wake of the tragic shooting that claimed the life of Coach Aspinwall, Mike Hancock, a fellow coach, has been navigating a path of grief and healing. The impact of Aspinwall's death is still felt deeply within the community. "We still have kids; they wear T-shirts with coach A. There's pretty much a T-shirt every day in that building of his saying or something just in remembrance of him," Hancock shared.
Hancock has been candid about the challenges he faced following the tragedy, compounded by the loss of his father last April. "I didn't have him to call. I didn't have my dad to say, 'Hey, what would you do in this situation?' and that was part of the grief that I've been going through too, is losing him," he explained.
Apalachee High School coach steps down
Apalachee High School head football coach Mike Hancock announced on social media that he is stepping down because of PTSD, anxiety, grief and depression after the mass shooting at the high school last year.
The emotional toll of these events led Hancock to a moment of introspection. "I was trying to make sure our players were okay, our coaches were okay, and you know, I wasn't taking time for myself," he admitted. "I was just letting that cripple me and just lead to the anxiety, the grief, the depression, and I just heard God whisper and say, 'Hey, let's take a leap of faith and let's get help.'"
Recognizing the need for support, Hancock sought guidance from his pastor, who introduced him to a Christian counselor. "Just like me, I didn't know. I didn't know what resources were out there," Hancock said. This decision has brought him a sense of peace. "I've just got a peace about the decision. I've talked to several people who know me well, and they've said, 'Man, you just, you sound like Mike, and you sound like yourself.'"
Hancock's journey underscores the importance of seeking help and the strength found in community and faith. "Coaches got big egos, and we do, but sometimes we need to take a step back and realize, swallow that pride, and say, 'Hey, I need help,'" he reflected.