Responsibility to Act

There is a debate raging in some parts of our community about the decision to exclude a former coach from this year's wrestling program. I would like to provide some notes for public clarification. In the interest of consistent communication, please consider:

1. The infractions that were documented and admitted to were serious enough to warrant exclusion from the program: Hence, the action taken. (Note: Parents excusing the infractions does NOT lessen the severity of those infractions when considering consequences.)

2. No action was taken on the basis of a single report from any single individual or family. A thorough investigation was conducted.

3. Failure for the school and district to act once infractions were documented, would subject the district to sanctions which may have included loss of our wrestling program, disciplinary action against all personnel who had knowledge of the infractions and did not act on that knowledge, and civil liability for any present or future consequences of the infractions.

The conflict that is being perpetuated in the community is not good for our students. It is not good for our wrestling program. The decision will not be reversed. Improper choices have consequences. I appeal to all that is good within the individuals on both sides of this debate: Stop the conflict! Let our boys wrestle. Move forward.