By Kim Minugh — Bee Staff Writer
Two weeks after Colfax High parents and students pleaded with trustees to reverse the firing of popular coach Jerry Sinkey, he has been reinstated as head of the school’s wrestling program.
Officials announced the news at Tuesday’s morning meeting of the Placer Union High School District board of trustees.
“After talking and looking at things, we all concluded it was in the best interest of kids and the program that we bring Jerry back for next year, “Superintendent Bart O’Brien said in a later interview.
As word spread Tuesday, parents and students who had lobbied emotionally and aggressively on Sinkey’s behalf said they learned that they can make a difference.
“If you stand up for something you believe in, if everyone comes together and fights for what is right, something good will happen, “said sophomore Sean Filter. “Good will prevail.”
Sinkey, who recently finished his second season as a walk-on coach at Colfax High, said he was “on cloud nine “after working out details of his return Monday.
He said he told O’Brien: “I want to be the Colfax wrestling coach more than ever.”
Sinkey said he was fired in early March with no explanation. Administrators have declined to comment on reasons for the decision.
Sinkey said he had productive and encouraging conversations with Colfax High administrators, but his hopes for a resolution ended earlier this month upon receiving a call from Principal Rick Spears saying that the decision would stand.
Frustrated and angry, more than 100 students and parents showed up at the April 4 board meeting to ask the three trustees present to overturn the decision. Many in the crowd described Sinkey as an effective coach and strong role model.
Board President Ron Oates told the audience the trustees would discuss the matter when all five were present.
But the issue never got that far, officials said. Sinkey said he called O’Brien last week to request a chance to tell his side of the story; O’Brien agreed and invited Spears and Mark Warner, assistant superintendent of educational services, to join the discussion.
The four met for 2 1/2 hours Monday, Sinkey said. He and O’Brien declined to discuss specifics, but Sinkey said they agreed to work toward improvement on several matters, including communication.
Near the meeting’s end, Sinkey said he, O’Brien and Spears signed an agreement.
Sinkey said he credits O’Brien for positively resolving the situation.
“I think Mr. O’Brien really saw … the value of everyone’s comments and saw we could move forward as a community, and I agreed, “he said.
Oates said he is pleased with the outcome.
“The system worked, “he said. “(Parents and students) brought a concern to the attention of the district and … administrators and the board felt it was necessary to spend more time on this item. That’s exactly what happened.”
Parent Jeff Moore, who attended Tuesday’s meeting, said the announcement was “beautiful.”
“Unbelievable, “he said. “I really thought we had no chance.”
But that’s where Moore said he and others learned a valuable lesson.
“Right does win, “he said. “It’s so refreshing. Our voice was heard.”
Sinkey’s supporters now say they are looking forward to planning a season’s-end banquet, which they had put on hold until there was reason to celebrate.
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