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Parents Return to Wetzel County Board of Education Meeting About Magnolia Football Coach

NEW MARTINSVILLE — Two weeks after parents and community members approached the Wetzel County Board of Education about alleged conduct by a Magnolia High School football coach, two concerned mothers returned to the board to plead that the matter not be “swept under the rug.”

At the Oct. 2 board meeting, a delegation appeared before the board with claims of Magnolia High School football players being bullied by a coach.

Many of those who spoke referenced an incident that allegedly occurred after Magnolia’s 29-27 loss to Wheeling Central Catholic High School on Sept. 22.

One parent claimed a player was “manhandled out of anger” after the game.

During Monday night’s meeting, parent Elizabeth Seckman said she has been criticized on social media as possibly having a “vendetta.”

However, she said she has seen texts from players who support the coach, admitting that the coach put his hands on fellow players.

“Do we believe them, or do we not?” Seckman said of the players. “The question, for Wetzel County Schools, is that the standards? We tell these kids we have zero tolerance for violence, and we go through the process. But what are we showing these kids?” Seckman asked.

Seckman said parents are watching for the board to make a move.

“They don’t trust the process, and they don’t trust what is happening in this county. They think there is a network that is impenetrable,” she said.

Board or education member Amy Cooley told Seckman her concerns are not being ignored.

“Please keep in mind that you don’t know what is going on behind the scenes. It can’t be discussed,” Cooley said.

Board member Mike Blair said no one on the board supports anyone striking a student.

“I’m not tolerant of that,” Blair said.

“This isn’t the ’70s anymore. I don’t support that. What happened in the investigation, or the findings … I don’t have a clue.”

Parent Christina Stapel said she has one child who is a junior, and two other boys that have yet to enter high school.

“I don’t want things swept under the rug for them,” she said.

Stapel clarified that she is not angry or bitter because of the football team’s performance, and claimed she witnessed the coach put his hands on a student.

“I saw it happen in the middle of a football field, and as a teacher, I’m a mandated reporter. I reported what I saw, and I did what I was supposed to do,” she said.

The board did not make any further remarks on the matter, or take any action.

During the board’s Oct. 2 meeting, Board President Warren Grace said the board was investigating the parents’ concerns and asked that they “trust the system.” He asked that the players finish out the season.

Board Vice President Bill Jones had said he wasn’t taking sides, but apologized to the players “that this is happening to you.”

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