• By ROBIN FAMBROUGH
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Jul 31, 2010 - Page: 7C

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Former Christian Life Academy boys basketball coach Carlo Maggio wants to set the record straight about his seemingly abrupt resignation.

Maggio, who has been staying with relatives in Vinton, said complications involving a heart arrhythmia and tests revealing an ulcer prompted his e-mail resignation to the school.

The 31-year-old Maggio said he is planning to return to Baton Rouge next week to meet with CLA officials to tie up  loose ends. His plans include attending McNeese State University to complete his master’s degree.

“I think there are some people upset with me because of the e-mail,” Maggio said. “The reason I sent the e-mail was because I wanted to give Christian Life a chance to start making plans right away. I knew I couldn’t get back to Baton Rouge this week and I didn’t want any more time to pass before I informed the school of my decision.”

Maggio said his heart arrhythmia is not a new condition, but said a flare-up after the season forced him to re-evaluate his future.

In his lone season at CLA, Maggio coached the Crusaders to a 36-5 record and a Class 1A state championship in March. Maggio came to Christian Life a year ago after spending two seasons as boys basketball coach at Class C Plainview.

“To be honest with you, this almost happened in May,” Maggio said. “But I decided to stay through the summer to see how I felt.

“Our summer league was great and there are some great young kids in the program. There’s no question in my mind that Christian Life will continue to be successful.

“Especially after the tests showed I have an ulcer, I realized I need to do more to take care of myself. And there are some family things here (in Vinton) I need to help with.”

Maggio said Internet-based reports saying he planned to take a college job are untrue. He said he explored becoming a graduate assistant coach at McNeese, but said that is not an option now.

“I’m not sure if I’ll be coaching at all this year,” Maggio said. “There’s a chance I help out some place as an assistant. But I may just go to school and work in one of the businesses my family has.”

Maggio said he’ll remember his tenure at CLA fondly.

“I have nothing but respect for (Christian Life Principal) Mr. (Peter) Barnes, Kerry (Wilkerson, athletic director) and doc (Dr. Jere Mellili, school founder),” Maggio said. “And I loved all the kids. I wish them all the best.”