Allegations of the Deer Creek offensive coordinator being on Guthrie’s sidelines during the semi-final State Playoff game with Newcastle had both school systems looking into the matter with the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) over the weekend.
Information from the schools said that the OSSAA has concluded the matter is internal to Guthrie Public Schools. Guthrie’s superintendent released a statement saying also it is a confidential personnel matter.
Newcastle Public Schools apparently wants to make sure it was handled properly and has hired legal counsel.
Superintendent Dr. Cathy Walker said the school system was ready to appeal the OSSAA decision on Wednesday this week. Since the Newcastle Pacer goes to print on Tuesday afternoon, there was no way to report the outcome in this week’s print issue.
The following is a prepared press release from Guthrie Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson. A statement on behalf of Newcastle Public Schools follows from Dr. Walker.
Guthrie Statement Guthrie Public Schools Addresses Social Media Allegations Regarding Newcastle Football Game
“Late Saturday evening, members of the Guthrie administration were made aware of a concern being raised on social media regarding a former staff member’s presence on the sideline during the state semifinal football game against Newcastle on December 6th. A thorough investigation of the allegation has been conducted by the school district. Members of the district administration and coaching staff have been in contact with the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) as we reported the concern. It was concluded the presence of this former staff member on the Guthrie sideline did not violate any existing OSSAA rules or policies. The OSSAA staff further concluded this is a personnel issue of Guthrie Public Schools.
“Guthrie defeated Newcastle 35-30 and will now advance to the state championship game against Carl Albert on Saturday at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Chad Richison Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
“Since this is a confidential personnel issue, the district will have no further comment.”
Newcastle Statement
The following is the Newcastle Public Schools’ statement: Thank you to everyone who supported our football team this season. They played 5A for the first time, were District and Regional champions, and made it to the semi-finals for the State tournament. I am extremely proud of Coach Brickman, his coaching staff and all of the players for their hard work, character and the integrity with which they have played this season!
There has been controversy surrounding a coach from Deer Creek coaching from the sidelines for Guthrie Friday night. Many of you have sent Athletic Director Brent Hodges and me pictures of this coach wearing Guthrie gear and wearing a play sheet on his coat. AD Hodges and I spoke to OSSAA and even though their policy says: “The football season for member schools, school personnel, and players shall close on Saturday of week eighteen on the OSSAA calendar, except for those teams having elimination games following week eighteen, who’s season shall close with their last elimination game. An individual who has represented his/her school during the current season shall not participate in football unattached or as a member of a team for the remainder of the school year.”
OSSAA ruled this issue is a personnel matter to be handled by the Guthrie Administration.
As a member of the organization, I am very disappointed in how this was handled by OSSAA and the lack of communication from them. I will be appealing their decision on Wednesday to their board. I have also hired legal counsel to help me navigate this process.
I understand this is a frustrating situation for everyone who cares about our kids and Newcastle football. We want to maintain the sportsmanship and integrity that our coaches and players have demonstrated all season.
I would like to thank AD Hodges for his work on this. He spent countless hours this weekend answering emails, texts, gathering information, and keeping me informed.
Again, I am very proud of our team for an awesome season!
Racer Proud, Dr. Walker
Guthrie’s Bluejays defeated the Newcastle Racers, 35-30, in the Class 5A semi-final State playoff game. As noted, the Bluejays are scheduled to play Carl Albert Saturday at the Unviversity of Central Oklahoma in Edmond for the State Championship.
