Gay South Dakota Prep School Coach Will Keep Job

DELL RAPIDS, S.D. (AP) — A volleyball coach at St. Mary High School in Dell Rapids who has publicly announced he's gay says he's being allowed to keep his job.

Nate Alfson announced he was gay last week on the website www.outsports.com . He later said he was concerned about his future with the private Catholic school.

Alfson met with school officials Tuesday and later said in an email to www.outsports.com and on his Facebook page that he will not lose his job. He did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment Wednesday.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls issued a statement saying "all persons, whatever their attraction, are to be treated with respect, compassion and justice."

Alfson is believed to be the first openly gay high school coach in South Dakota.