Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. It starts with having no sports-specific booster clubs and school administrators having the courage and will to take responsibility for sustaining integrity rather than empty victories. Final score, 49-6, Eastlake. November 4, 2022. It taught them how to succeed and prepared them for the future. In the second quarter, junior Carson Rubin got on the board with an thrilling 80 TD run, Razore completed his second TD pass of the day (once again to Hansen, of course), and senior DB Caymus Rooney took an interception 40 yards to the house. The Bellevue athletic department is on probation for four years. "It was discovered that there were athletes competing under false addresses in the Bellevue district. And the district has cut ties with longtime assistant coach Pat Jones. (Image courtesy Bellevue Wolverines Facebook), (Image courtesy Bellevue Wolverines Facebook). It was a reminder of the Wolverines glorious past that got them fired up this week thanks to comments from Marysville-Pilchuck star running back Dylan Carson that fueled them for Saturdays matchup. Darien Freeman has not returned multiple messages left for him last week. Plenty of things we need to clean up for next week, though. Freeman met with a reporter on two separate occasions at a SeaTac restaurant. Bellevue junior Cal Zimmerman (#8) scores a touchdown as Snohomish seniors Miles Lamb (#8) and Easton Leonard (#24) attempt to tackle. %link% Like many expectant mothers, Miranda Kekauoha had a plan. I am also the father of a high school varsity athlete. The Wolverines will look to build on their learning from week 1 and 2 as they start KingCo 3A conference play against Liberty High School this Friday. How did parents never ask how their kid had so much walking around money? As crime increases, our safety measures must too, GSBA is closing the disparity gap with Ready for Business Fund. We asked readers for their thoughts on what repercussions the Bellevue football program should face, as well as what the scandal says about high-school sports. Playoffs: No postseason games for four years, Boosters: No donations to program for four years, Games: Only KingCo 3A opponents for two years; no out-of-state opponents for four years, Transfers: Stricter guidelines, oversight for incoming transfer students for two years, Championships: Vacate Bellevues conference titles if WIAA determines that state titles should be forfeited. KNKX Public Radio | The Colleyville Heritage Steroid Scandal. Who do these kids think they are? What makes them think they are so deserving? You know what? You cheat, you steal, you lie. Courtesy of Stephanie Ault Justus. They say proposed project will negatively impact Minidoka internment camp site. It feels quaint to sit back and watch an old rerun of Friday Night Lights and see some rally girl doing Tim Riggins homework, or a star player finding a mysterious envelope with cash in it. Boosters have been barred from affiliating with the program. "He's still a vital part of the picture. The Bellevue football story became national news in 2016 as false accusations of recruiting by the twelve-time state champions and 2012 national champions took center stage. With the pregame celebrations and hugs finished, the Wolverines wasted no time getting down to business. You can read the Times' entire investigation here. Here's the AP story SEATTLE (AP) - An investigation into illegal recruiting has resulted in the suspension of Bellevue High School's head football coach, Butch Goncharoff, and the team being placed on probation. Or, at the very least, put on administrative leave along with the schools athletic director until a thorough investigation is has been completed into the financial records (who paid what) and academic record of Academic Institute Inc., in Bellevue. Freeman said he may have misunderstood the conversation about rent and that it was possible Goncharoff had only worked to help the family find a place to rent in Bellevue. Arguably one of the best high school teams ever fielded in Texas, the 1988 Dallas Carter Cowboys were loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. After the Seattle Times story was published on Sunday, a distraught Darien Freeman called a Times reporter, saying hed just spoken with Goncharoff. A series of three books describing the storied history of the Bellevue High School Football program, and the investigations that surrounded the team from 2006 to 2018. Bellevue Superintendent Tim Mills says the district will appeal. On the first play from scrimmage, freshman Max Jones took a handoff 65 yards to the house, and the JV squad never looked back. I think the system is prone to corruption. Carter High . 1. The team won 11 state championships in 15 years, including a 67-game winning streak. After finding steroids in her sons athletic bag in September of 2004, a Colleyville Heritage mom approached school administrators after verifying the contents through a local drug store. He openly shared details of his high school experiences, saying he felt like the program was putting kids in a poor position to succeed after high school and that he didnt want to see the program have a negative impact on others in the future. That was released a few months ago. With ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary What Carter Lost screening Aug. 24, audiences are primed to remember the glory and scandal that surrounded Dallas Carter High School's football team nearly 30 . Players attend the school for academics but are allowed to play football at Bellevue if they live in the proper district. Per a statement, athletic director Jim Hicks said. A 68-page report found that players' families provided false address to gain eligibility and that head coach Butch Goncharoff encouraged players to attend classes at a private alternative school. I have been watching professional and college sports for more than 40 years, and have been covering college football for Last Word on Sports for two years. Weve seen a couple of surveys about Seattles happiness rating, one shows us near the top for happiness, and one has us closer to the bottom. Ask yourself these questions while you scan the details: Where in the name of all that is right were the parents? Rather than worry about imposing sanctions, it is more important that the Bellevue School District starts to do the right thing, going forward, meaning itneeds to replace the coaching staff, probably shun the booster club, and start exercising control by hiring a head coach who is also a teacher within the educational system., What sanctions are appropriate for people in positions of authority supposed role models for kids when they actively participate in or turn a blind eye to corruption and then do everything in their power to impede legitimate investigations? After starting the season in Sports Illustrateds SB Live Top 25, the Wolverines found themselves on the wrong end of two tightly contested losses to start their 2022 campaign. Coach Kneip on the game, We had a great, physical week of practice, and it really paid off. Yesterday Kendall Alston, age 31, was sentenced in federal court to five years for selling fentanyl pills in downtown Seattle. Here is a selection of the. Staff reporter Mike Baker contributed to this report. KingCo left the question of whether Bellevue should forfeit state titles up to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). "They also discovered compensation to the head coach, Butch Goncharoff, of $60,000 a year that was well in excess of what the standards are for high school coaches.". A committee of athletic directors from KingCo cited in its report a preponderance of evidence that violations had occurred. The Bellevue High School football team is one victory away from the ultimate return to glory. Some prominent college football players are named in the report as having been cycled through The Academic Institute. Instead, athletes became eligible to play for the football powerhouse by traveling to a Bellevue office park for classes at an obscure, 40-student private school: The Academic Institute, Inc. Records reviewed by the Seattle Times, however, show that Freemans father has had a home address in Auburn. Bellevue High's football squad completed an undefeated season by winning the 3A state championship with a 17-13 triumph over Kennewick High on Dec. 4 at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. Editors note: After the original Seattle Times article of Aug. 23 the newspaper followed up with another article in which the parents of Darien Freeman disputed portions of the first article that were attributed to their son. Part of Darien Freemans account, however, is corroborated by documents reviewed by the Seattle Times. Sports news, analysis, opinions, and rumors. It's a guaranteed story that will be told for generations, with a record that will be likely painted up on a water tower or on a city's welcome sign. "They said four years of probation for the entire athletic department, a four-year ban for football on postseason play, and also non-conference play, as well as inviting any out-of-state opponents to play Bellevue High School. It was so one-sided and evident that something was different about this team in comparison to the other nine teams Liberty played against., For every year they won the state championship, that should be the number of years they are not qualified to compete in theplayoffs. Adults knew this was going on for years. Coach Salonen said, We feel incredibly lucky to have the numbers to support a JV program this year, we love seeing the additional reps these players are getting, and the improvement that comes with those reps.. The sanctions are the latest chapter in the saga of investigations, appeals and denials concerning one of the most successful prep-football programs in state history. However, the school often had no teachers in the classrooms; little, if any homework was ever given, and the players received full class credit. A talented Wolves team got out to a very fast start and never looked back, and the Wolverines found themselves on the wrong end of a running clock in the second half. Brick by brick!. On BHSs ensuing possession, junior QB Lucas Razore found Ishaan Daniels in the flat, and Daniels scampered 30 yards for the Bellevue score. And that lofty tuition bill? June 29, 2022 Posted in kawasaki monster energy jersey. The KingCo Conference report, released earlier this week, said that while players were illegally recruited to play for Bellevue, some used false addresses to be eligible within Bellevues residential district. 5 seeded Wolverines (8-2) walloped No. It should be a Homecoming to remember! Students at AI a school derided as a diploma mill by two former teachers are still allowed to play on the Bellevue football team. School district leaders initially sought to have the booster club answer questions about its relationship with Academic Institute. This has been, I dont want to say an open secret, but Im not surprised by the investigation, ONeil told Seattles Morning News. This will essentially kill the football program. They recently had a 67-game win streak snapped in the state championship game last December. Texas HS Football State Champions: 1920-2022, 2022 3A Fan Vote All-Texas High School Football Team, TXHSFB Podcast Championship Edition: Benjamin Mustangs, 2022 2A Fan Vote All-Texas High School Football Team, Texas HS Football Fan Vote Player Of The Year. Butch Goncharoff is banned from coaching in Washington State, 3. Bellevue Superintendent Tim Mills says the district will appeal. And booster club President John Connors told supporters over the weekend that litigation may be necessary to protect the program. Ban Goncharoff from coaching football in Washington for life. "Goncharoff, the booster club at Bellevue, and many people objected said 'No, this is all inaccurate. In the second half, Bellevue let their young guns get a taste of the MI rivalry under the big lights, and played out the remainder of the game under a running clock. Found a preponderance of evidence that Bellevue boosters paid the tuition of athletes at The Academic Institute. Here is a selection of the responses we received: Bellevue High Schools titles need to be removed. Its unfortunate for the kids who played therebut also hard on those who played against Bellevue, too. Fire and fine all involved. Fire them all immediately.. Hopefully something like that will come out of this mess.". In its report to KingCo, the Bellevue School District acknowledged several violations of rules while disputing other aspects of the independent investigation. OVERALL 9-3 0.75 Win % DISTRICT 6-0 1st3A KingCo. 56-0 win over Juanita! Just one play into Hazens opening drive, senior Joel Schneider made an acrobatic interception, which moments later led to a sight thats become the terror of KingCo 3A: an Ishaan Daniels long run and touchdown this time from 63 yards. The Wolverines will look to keep extend their conference win streak next week, at home, against the Knights of Newport. It was a back and forth affair from the beginning that saw the Wolverines take a 21-17 lead into the locker room at halftime. Bellevues head coach and athletic director be fired immediately, 2. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. In all, six players were connected with 21 robberies that occurred in Carter neighborhoods. A high school state football championship in Texas is arguably about more than just temporary bragging rights. This begins the discussion of the penalty phase of the violations, and there are several steps working through that process, said Mike Colbrese, WIAA executive director. Come one, come all! The coach should be a faculty member and actually teach classes., These coaches and families have only helped these kids progress in a more beneficial way through life. Come celebrate Anacortes 11th annual Bier on the Pier! The second half saw more of the same stingy Wolverine defense, and scores being added by another long Daniels run, and a 30-yard TD connection from Razore to junior TE, Hogan Hansen. How did the adults never ask how it was that their kid was taking classes in a $1,750 per month school, yet they never got a tuition bill? Of the 24-23 loss, Coach Kneip said, Theyre a really, really well-coached, high quality program. This fake news reporting in the media hammered down on the program until the program was literally ripped apart at the seams. BELLEVUE REBOUNDS AT HOME VS LIBERTY, TOUGH START FOR WOLVERINES AGAINST TOP RANKED OPPONENTS, Former UW Lineman Is Lead Blocker in Returning Bellevue High to Prominence, Yelm goes length of field to end Bellevue's state championship reign, 28-27, PHOTOS: Yelm edges past Bellevue, 28-27, to earn title shot, VIDEO Game Highlights from Lincoln Playoff Game, 3A Quarterfinal, Bellevues 43-yard field goal breaks the hearts and playoff hopes of Lincoln Read more at: https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/high-school/article2, With Bellevue in need of a season-saving spark, Luke Scoma delivers - with his foot, Bellevue tops 400 yards rushing to beat Mead in 3A state football playoffs, Bellevue football team defeats Snohomish in non-conference game. The win marks a return to the top for a former state juggernaut that won eight state championships from 2001 to 2011. His older brother became vice president of the teams booster club. 1 talking about this. Tacoma WA 98418. JV Head Coach Danny Salonen was upbeat after the game, we never like to lose games like this, there are plenty of fundamentals on both sides of the ball that need cleaning up, but I cant imagine a better opportunity for our young guys and newer players to play a ton of football. Earlier this week, the Bellevue School District requestedan investigation of the football program by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, which governs prep sports in the state. The following Monday, the Bellevue JV had their first home game of the season, hosting Juanita. The long-running nature of the corruption uncovered by this investigation could only have occurred with the explicit or tacit approval of Bellevue High Schooland Bellevue School District administrators, as the reportvividly details. Probation: Bellevue athletic department is on probation for four years. Bellevue coach Butch Goncharoff was suspended two games for "improper out-of-season activities" and for providing money to a player. Usain Bolt defeats Justin Gatlin, defends 100-meter title. When I saw the David Horsey cartoon, light rail ambassadors inviting a fentanyl-smoking passenger to leave, I lost it, says a listener. And then there is the claim within the report that some of the misdeeds were not so secretive; they were just direct cash payments to families to get players to Bellevue. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. In 2003 Thiel wrote the definitive book about the Seattle Mariners, Out of Left Field, which became a regional bestseller. Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds. Two former teachers told the Times the Academic Institute doesnt adhere to basic educational standards. Players need a 2.0 GPA with no more than one failing class to compete athletically. Washington state wants to be a leader in climate change, but I sense that the voters are not as concerned about that these days. In order to remedy the violations, the district had proposed a suspension of the teams booster club along with meetings, training programs and policy reviews to ensure rules are followed in the future. We depend on members for more than half of our financial support. Bellevue High School has the most successful football program in state history winning 11 titles in the last 15 years. This booster club raised more than $427,000 in 2013 according to the Seattle Times investigation. After the half, the BHS offense really got rolling, including a 44-yard TD run from junior Blake Teets, a 24-yard TD run from sophomore Ryken Moon, and a screen pass from Razore that junior Cal Zimmerman took 21 yards to pay dirt. This isnt a player finding $100 cash in his locker. This type of illegal and unethical activity runs through sports programs at all levels. Brick by brick!. Yes, they broke the rules to get them on the team. Carter High in Dallas took the state championship in 1988, but this new film about the team is not all about victory. An anonymous tip led the UIL to investigate claims Carters star player, Gary Edwards had failed Algebra and had violated the states No Pass, No Play policy. Every sport has its dark side and high school football in Texas is no exception. Dinner and dancing may have been the order of the day on Saturday, but on Friday night, Wolverine students packed the stands to see the Bellevue High football team demolish their crosstown rival Newport Knights. A KingCo committee came down hard on Bellevue football Tuesday, banning the program from postseason play and prohibiting outside donations for four years. He played for the New York Giants and Washington Redskins and was a five time Pro Bowl selection. They were outlandishly gravy training on their 17 or 18 year old kids football ability. Teen football player tackles suspected shoplifter, Ross: The latest attempt to undo a national embarrassment, Ross: Changing the climate of mental health is a bill away, Ross: A national divorce isnt the solution, but some people should move, Ross: If the American system rewards hard work, cancel student loan debt, Ross: Fentanyl-smoking passengers on light rail present huge danger, Ross: Two less crooks to worry about in downtown Seattle. Cheerleaders capture the crowds attention during the game, but one group of Texas high school cheerleaders captured the attention of the entire nation due to their outlandish behavior. Varsity takes the field this Saturday (10/8) at Juanita, at 7pm, while the JV will face Juanita at home the following Monday. All rights reserved. Im so happy and proud of all of them. Lots of work to be done to get where we want to be, though. Bellevue (Wash.) School District officials are planning to fire the head coach of the Bellevue High School football team, according to a letter sent to the coach by a top district official and . The families of two other players have described how supporters of the football program had a role in coordinating scholarships for the players. Allow only the students living within the boundaries to participate. These are the kinds of challenges we look for., Then, this past Friday, the Wolverines made the long drive up to Lake Stevens High School, home of the preseason 4A #1 Vikings. to Bellevue so college recruiters will notice you; its absurd., An independent investigation found a series of potential violations on the Bellevue High School football program. At least 17 Bellevue football players attended the program over the past seven years, the Seattle Times has learned. Great highlight video Bellevue football players worked hard thats how they won. But Notre Dame-bound RB Jayden Limar led a second half comeback, eventually closing the game out 37-28. Discretely paid for by the booster club. But what happens when bending the rules or covering for players becomes a real life story; the infractions are so extensive and the storylines so indelicate that no TV producer would even believe it. 9-0 on the season, BACK ON TRACK! I found John Harrisons (former Mercer Island High School principal and now Executive Director of Bellevue Public Schools) comments to be cavalier; aiding and abetting a serious flaw in the system and, just plain very disappointing given his stellar career as a Mercer Island principal. "I would say the rules are loose. Despite the short week, the Wolverines came out fast against a spirited Islander squad, thanks to TDs from Ishaan Daniels, Carson Rubin, and Kaden Matsudaira, culminating in a 35-0 halftime lead. Hogwash! Jones has filed an unfair-labor-practices complaint with the Public Employment Relations Commission. It hid and manipulated scientific and medical research and evidence to hide the price their players were paying on the field due to head injuries. We will continue to defend our right, and the right of booster clubs around the state, to make these activities available to kids.. In addition to prohibiting the Bellevue football program from receiving donations, the KingCo committee said: Bellevue is not allowed to play any nonleague football games and will be limited to Class 3A league games for two seasons. PF 497 PA 185 STREAK 1L. Now lets see a similar investigation into sports programs at every private high school in the state to determine just how many of their players parents are paying full tuition. If youre retired or getting ready to retire and looking for new ways to stay active, becoming a SHIBA volunteer could be for you! Sat Nov 26 L . Unphased by the change, the boys loaded up the busses on Saturday evening, and headed north to Juanita High School in Kirkland. The Bellevue grads on staff are Jake Hiller (2010, offensive line coach), Morgann Richey (2014, offensive line), Ryan Gilbert (2015, defensive backs), Jack Michael (2015, defensive backs), Matt Gilbert (2012, defensive coordinator), AJ Kneip (2016, offensive line/strength coach), Miles Carlson (2016, defensive back), Quinn Sullivan (2018, linebackers), Joe Razore (1997, offensive coordinator), Cam Johnson (1999, wide receivers), Peter Nguyen (2009, wide receivers) and Jojo Connor (2010, quarterbacks). 1 Bellevue past No. Saint Mary's guard Logan Johnson knows both sides of the Zags-Gaels rivalry, 35-year-old loved his dog, the outdoors and his mother who is accused of killing him, Accused killer returns to Spokane to face murder charge in 40-year-old South Hill cold case. One family complained their son was told his scholarship at the Institute would be revoked if he stopped playing football at Bellevue. But, after a brief email exchange, they let it drop. Which spelled out who could live in certain neighborhoods. The KingCo Conference is a 16-team conference [and] their athletic directors decided some fairly draconian punishments. Teaching young impressionable minds to cheat is criminal! That would be a likely violation of rules that generally require student-athletes to live within a schools attendance boundary. The evidence shows that the practices KingCo now is penalizing including summer sports camps for kids and paying coaches for extra work outside of the season were approved by Bellevue School District and are shared by many, many area schools, the statement said. Thiel said Goncharoff has been quite vocal about his innocence. The only actual answer is likely that they didnt know and they didnt care to know. Kirsten is also a sports lover. "The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), which is the administrative body that governs prep sports hired two investigators who produced a 68-page report that confirmed much of what the Times discovered as well as other things. The Bellevue booster club in a statement early Tuesday expressed disappointment with the sanctions. But many of those accomplishments are in jeopardy, because of a scandal that has now reached the punishment stage. Butch Goncharoff is banned from coaching in Washington State 3. Set the playing field equal, limit the activity of booster clubs to support supplies and travel costs. Among those, Freeman said Goncharoff directed him to attend the Academic Institute instead of studying at Bellevue. Tony has been with Last Word on Sports for six years covering college football around the country. Any booster associated with this mess be banned from any financial or booster club membership for two years. 12 Mead in the first round of the Class 3A state football playoffs 41-10 as Bellevue rode its potent rushing attack to a dominant victory that puts it just two wins from their second consecutive state championship game appearance. Its a disgrace that this has gone on as long as it has. The win at all costs mentality, and the sad state of parents living vicariously through their childs athletic accomplishments, has put a pockmark on youth sports. 4. Bellevue can appeal the sanctions to KingCo principals within five school days, then can appeal to the executive board of the SeaKing District and ultimately to the executive board of the WIAA. The second half once again belonged to the youngsters and up-and-comers, who finished strong to the tune of a 56-14 victory. Among the violations, the 68-page report found thatplayers families provided false address to gain eligibility and that head coach ButchGoncharoff encouraged players to attend classes at a private alternative school where some of the players tuition was subsidized by the programs booster club. Really? 5. The KingCo Conference has levied sanctions against the school that include four years of probation for the entire athletic department,no road games or out-of-conference games for two years, no money funneled into the program from any source for four years, no postseason play for four years and no out-of-state opponents (a big source of revenue) for four years. Voted as the KING 5 Sports Big Game of the Week, the 4-2 Wolverines once again headed north on 405 for a KingCo 3A showdown, this time with the 4-1 Lake Washington Kangs. ", "Pretty serious stuff," Thiel said. Many would perhaps have fallen through the cracks had it not been for the help they received when it was obvious to coaches they needed a little boost. Our guys played pretty well, its just about getting better., Then, on Monday, the LW JV made the opposite trip, visiting BHS. Bier on the Pier takes place on October 7th and 8th and features local ciders, food trucks and live music - not to mention the beautiful views of the Guemes Channel and backdrop of downtown Anacortes. Bellevue can appeal for that sanction to be reduced one year early. The SHIBA program part of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner is ready to help with your Medicare open enrollment decisions. Often it would be well past dark by the time he returned home. Jayson Jenks: 206-464-8277 or, cited in its report a preponderance of evidence that violations had occurred, 68-page independent report that found wide-ranging rules violations within the program, Bellevue football banned from postseason for 4 years, WIAA lifts Bellevue postseason ban, strips two state titles, Cedar Park Christian hires ex-Bellevue coach Butch Goncharoff, Two-year ban for Goncharoff ruled violation of union rights, After upheaval, sanctions, Bellevue ready to get back to playing football again, Report: Bellevue coaches violated rules for years, district obstructed probe, was placed on a three-year probation last year, district had proposed a suspension of the teams booster club along with meetings.
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