By Tom Groeschen
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Terry Nelson has been dismissed as boys varsity basketball coach at Western Hills High School, after two seasons and a 30-14 combined record.

Western Hills, part of the Cincinnati Public Schools system, declined today to discuss reasons for Nelson's removal. CPS athletic director Dave Dierker referred questions to CPS Public Affairs officer Janet Walsh, who could not immediately be reached for comment.

Nelson, 33, made his name locally as a starting forward on the University of Cincinnati's 1992 Final Four team. In recent years he has been a regular panelist on WCPO-TV's "Sports of all Sorts" Sunday night call-in show during basketball season.

Nelson could not be reached by phone but responded briefly to an e-mail from the Enquirer seeking comment.

"Many things are going on at West High," Nelson said. "The Public School system just lost a good guy."

Ken Laake Jr., Western Hills' new athletic director, said Nelson's contract was terminated by the Human Resources division of CPS. Laake would not disclose why Nelson was dismissed but said Nelson had been through a hearing before CPS officials.

"I can't comment beyond that," said Laake, who became Western Hills AD two weeks ago. "We'll just roll with the punches and deal with it."

Nelson came to UC from Long Beach, Calif.

Western Hills is seeking a replacement for Nelson and asks that resumes be sent via e-mail to Laake at 2144 Ferguson Road, Cincinnati OH 45238, or laakeke@cpsboe.k12.oh.us.