Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
To smooth an unfortunate situation, Bishop McDevitt officials turned to the bench to find a solution. Jim Rowe, who previously guided the Crusaders’ boys basketball program for 18 seasons, is McD’s head coach again. Rowe replaces Jason Grace, who was dismissed Oct. 15 for what the school called a “process and procedural infraction.” Grace claims his dismissal stems from the purchase of new jerseys with funds raised by the boys basketball team. “We made the decision not to renew his contract, so we’re moving on,” McD Principal Vince Harper said. “Jim Rowe is our coach.” Rowe, who spent the last two seasons as a Bishop McDevitt assistant coach, said the short window of time before the basketball season begins (Nov. 28) made his decision to accept the top position easier. “The situation presented itself and it’s getting close to the start of the season. I think in keeping some stability for the kids, I felt it was the right thing to do,” Rowe said. “I’m familiar with being at McDevitt. I really enjoyed coaching there, so it was not that hard of a decision at all.” Rowe went 276-155 during his initial stint at Bishop McDevitt, leading the Crusaders to a pair of District 3 3A titles in 1986 and ’89. He would resign following McD’s district tournament appearance during the 2000-01 season, citing health concerns and family commitments. Rowe resurfaced at Cedar Cliff, which hired the successful businessman as head coach in May, 2007. Getting a chance to coach his son, D.J., Rowe went 141-81 over nine seasons. “I would say I still have a great deal of passion foe being involved in the game,” said Rowe. “To me, it’s all about helping these kids in basketball and helping them through life lessons because all of them are going to move on after high school.” Rowe said he is keeping all returning assistant coaches on staff. Follow Eric Epler on X/Twitter -- @threejacker
