YAKIMA – The search for a new Zillah boys basketball coach is officially underway.

The job opening was posted to the high school’s social media accounts early Friday afternoon, after previously being added to the WIAA’s listings Aug. 4.

Mario Mengarelli, who guided the Leopards to three Class 1A state championships while winning more than 90% of the games in his 10-year run, submitted his resignation to the school board June 23.

The board accepted his resignation, along with that of assistant coach Sebastian Godinez, at its monthly meeting two days later.

Mengarelli and the program are the subject of a third-party investigation that began in the spring. Zillah School District superintendent Doug Burge said the findings would be released this summer.

Burge said he could not discuss the scope of the investigation, and Stat Hound Media does not publish rumors or conjecture.

Possible recruiting violations are usually dealt with through the school, league, geographical district and the WIAA.

Whoever takes the reins of the program, the new coach will be following a popular coach that is still backed by many in the community.

Comments on the postings, which said, “We’re seeking a coach who leads with character, develops players, builds relationships, communicates effectively, promotes accountability, and inspires student-athletes to succeed both on and off the court,” drew strong reactions.

“You already had the things you’re asking, with a 91% winning percentage,” Erick Delp posted.

Delp, a 1996 Zillah graduate who was an assistant coach in the program for more than a decade, in his post also questioned the motives of the school board and those who allegedly levied the allegations and are relatives of current players.

Many of the comments echoed Delp’s feelings, while others took more of a wait-and-see approach.

Comments appeared to be disabled when the posts were first made, but were trickling in later.

At least one account had changed its profile picture, to a photo of the yard sign that has appeared in the town reading, ‘We stand with the coaches.’

Delp’s profile picture is of a flag that reads ‘FTR 91.4%.’ The flag flies outside the home of the parents of a Leopards player and represents ‘For the record,’ and Mengarelli’s winning percentage, which is greater than any coach in state history with more than 200 victories.

Multiple people with knowledge of the search said that assistants on this past winter’s coaching staff were discouraged from applying, although Zillah athletic director Lance Den Boer on Saturday morning deferred hiring questions to Burge.

At least one assistant coach is believed to be interested in the position and likely to apply, according to sources.

The Leopards finished the season 26-1, their only loss to Lynden Christian in the championship game March 7 in the Yakima Valley SunDome.