Trabuco Hills coach McCluskey resigns

Trabuco Hills boys basketball coach Tom McCluskey said Wednesday he is stepping down as the coach, effective immediately.

McCluskey, who has coached the Mustangs for nine seasons, said he was told Tuesday that he was going to be suspended for a week because of an email that “looked like an invoice that was sent to the basketball parents.”

McCluskey said he informed the school’s administration that he would not serve the suspension and would instead step down as coach.

The Mustangs, who are 2-2 this season, and Sonora postponed their game that was scheduled for Wednesday night. The Mustangs’ next game is Friday night against Esperanza.

Messages left for Principal Craig Collins and Athletic Director Kurt Walker seeking comment were not returned Wednesday afternoon.

McCluskey said he was told of the school’s decision to suspend him Tuesday afternoon.

McCluskey said the email was sent by the booster club and that it was sent to remind parents what was left in order to fulfill their donation to the program.

“Everybody pitches in,” he said of the money collected by the booster club. “There is a certain sum that everybody needs to come up with and follow through how we can fulfill the allotted fundraising goals.

“I’m still trying to absorb it all. I feel tremendously disappointed for the kids …they’re the ones getting punished for this.”

When asked if there was any chance he would coach this year at Trabuco Hills, McCluskey responded via text: “No.”