Editor, Times-Union: What a shame!! Once again Triton school board members have shown that a group of individuals in the community hold the remainder of us "hostage".
There are many parents, including player parents, who are solidly against this latest version of a witch hunt. As these individuals conduct themselves with integrity, and appropriateness, they are often without a voice.. certainly they are not solicited for their input. How sad that board members are so without character as to entertain this type of vigilanteeism.
Our elected school board members did not even see the wisdom, or respect, in allowing all members of the coaching staff an opportunity to provide input; and at least one was left to find out about this "decision" via the news media. I'm left to wonder if they were honestly seeking the truth, or allowed input from a few to assure a predetermined result. Admittedly, I'm baffled by their behavior in this matter, although I am aware that the board president has a nephew who had a conflict with this coach last year. (Are our tax dollars now funding the entertainment of grudges?) I address my comments solely to the board, who I understand made this decision without the support or recommendation of the Triton High School administration.
I hear via the radio today that "members of the coaching staff verbally abused and beat down players". Since this statement was all-inclusive, I can assume that it included the coach of our Freshman basketball team. Matt Savill is my son, so I am partial, but have also been overwhelmed by the comments of this group of boys parents, who continually and very vocally gave him support and respect. This type of statement is not unusual in our community, in an effort to add credence to unsavory opinion, but I would hope to see a retraction of that statement publicly, and soon. I can only speak for my household, but would assume similar reaction from the families of Kurt Shively and Jason Groves.
I would be remiss if I didn't add a note of thanks and support to Mike McBride. He and his family have long been a part of this community, and made huge contributions that will have a truly lasting - and positive! - effect on Bourbon. Mike is an individual who will have great success in life. His belief in doing the right thing, coupled with his great faith, will be a continuing backbone to adversity.
Often we don't agree philosophically with every move a coach makes, however, we need to set aside self-serving negativity - a tough job in a town where this type of behavior has become the norm. Wouldn't it be nice to set an example of integrity, instead of setting an example for an entire school full of high school students about how not resolve conflict.
