Live Oak girls volleyball head coach James Uthes was let go from his position following a Sept. 27 arrest on an outstanding Santa Clara County Sheriff Department traffic warrant, according to authorities.
Uthes, who has been the head coach since 2011 following years as an assistant coach for the Live Oak team, was picked up by Morgan Hill Police at the high school on the warrant.
The high school then dismissed him from his coaching duties.
According to MHPD Sgt. Carson Thomas, the warrant was related to a driving on a suspended license charge.
Thomas said officers confronted Uthes as he was leaving the high school on Sept. 27 and took him into custody. He said officers kept the arrest low key and Uthes cooperated with officers.
It could not be immediately confirmed if Uthes was out on bail.
Calls and texts to Uthes for comment have not been returned.
Live Oak Athletic Director Mark Cummins said the high school parted ways with Uthes upon learning of the warrant.
Cummins said the warrant had nothing to do with the school or the volleyball team.
Uthes was not a teacher at the high school.
Former Head Coach Laura Coleman will replace Uthes for the remainder of the season.
Coleman was Live Oak’s coach for 14 years before stepping down following the 2010 season. She has been an assistant for the Gavilan College women’s volleyball team since 2011.
Uthes had been an assistant under Coleman for all but one year of her coaching tenure at Live Oak before taking over the program when Coleman left.
The Times is continuing to follow up on this story. Check back for more details as they become available.
