Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – St. Bernard’s head coach Steve Thrap looks on during a recent game.

St. Bernard’s boys basketball head coach Steve Thrap admits he has been overwhelmed by the community support he has been shown over the past 24 hours.

Early on Thursday, Thrap was placed on administrative leave by the school after reportedly using what was deemed inappropriate language during a recent game.

The school would not comment on the issue because it is a personnel matter, but several former players and community members have been in contact with the coach to show their support.

“I just want to say publicly that the support and love from the community has been overwhelming and very heartwarming,” Thrap said. “Sometimes you never know how many lives you’ve touched until something like this happens, unfortunately.”

Thrap, who has coached the team since 2007, also apologized for his actions.

“I would also like to say that I apologize to anyone who heard my comments and was offended by them. It was the heat of battle and I made a mistake and used inappropriate language.”

St. Bernard’s Athletic Director Ryan Bisio will take over head coaching duties for Friday night’s game at Hoopa Valley.

There is no official word yet on who will coach the team during next week’s Dick Niclai Memorial Tournament and going forward.

Thrap, one of the longest serving and most respected local high school coaches, led the team to four consecutive championships over the past four seasons.

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Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.