Parents angry about Bayfield High School girls basketball coach Lana Killough have argued against her renewal at two recent school board meetings, as reported in the Times. It was different at Tuesday's board meeting when players and parents turned out to support Killough.
She was on the list of coaches approved Tuesday for the coming school year.
"None of us want this to continue," player Tiarra Christensen said of the attacks on Killough. "We just want you to know how much we love and appreciate our coach," she said tearfully.
Player Courtney Bayles objected that Killough has had only one season to work with the team. "She has done so much for us... She cares about us a lot. She pushes us to be better basketball players and better people. There were a few players who were disrespectful, who had a lot of attitude."
Christensen added, "Last year one person got negative and it spread. I got sucked into that and had to take a step back."
Parent Kyle Wells said basketball is his passion. "It requires teamwork, a coach who knows what they are doing. It's team building. What does it say that these young ladies are willing to stand up for her? Our teams represent us. I enjoy going to the games. In the past year, I've seen an elevation of respect for the girls team. Some past programs didn't reflect the values we should have."
His said his daughter is going into eighth grade. "Lana has done a fantastic job. My daughter is going into her program. It takes several years for a program to change direction in any sport. I'm excited. My little girl is excited to play for Lana. She should be the head coach. I am grateful to be part of this community. And to have a coach who represents what we should be in this community."
Parent and BHS graduate Dion Phelps also spoke in support of Killough.
"I was raised purple," he said, "but the way this town is acting, I'm wearing green. It makes me sick that a couple people would tear down our community. We need to look at what people are doing for our kids and not what a couple people are saying."
He asked emotionally, "Are we letting people run our coaches away? You can't build a program switching constantly because a couple people complain."
Aubree Farmer said she is going into eighth grade and goes to almost all of Killough's open gyms. "I'm excited to play for her, and I want this program to continue," she said.
Robert Killough said his two daughters in seventh grade are looking forward to playing for their aunt Lana.
"I believe she has the heart to push these kids to be better players and better people," he said. "I love that she has expectations" for her players.
Parent Hal Bayles agreed with everything that was said. "I support Lana 100 percent," he said.
Superintendent Troy Zabel said, "We've discussed this a lot... I appreciate hearing the positive voice. A lot of times that doesn't happen. I want to make it clear... again I think we would send a horrible message to this community if we allow a few people to drive this decision."
He urged the board to approve the coaching recommendations from BHS Principal Leon Hanhardt and Activities Director Rob Dean, which they did unanimously.
