http://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/story/1217202004_new03_wrestling.asp
From the Parkersburg (West Virginia) News and Sentinel
Wrestling altercation may result in disciplinary action
By MICHAEL ERB
WILLIAMSTOWN – Police and school administrators are investigating an altercation among a coach, student and parent that ended a junior high wrestling match Wednesday.
Though no criminal charges have been filed, police say the matter is still under investigation and school administrators say the student and coach may face disciplinary action.
Williamstown High School Principal Larry Barton said he and Williamstown Athletics Director Frank Marcinko declared Wednesday night’s match a double forfeit after a confrontation between Edison Junior High School’s wrestling coach and a student was joined by people from the stands.
“There were people from the stands who tried to break the altercation up, “Barton said. “Marcinko and I decided that was enough and we called the match.”
The incident began during a match between Edison and Williamstown High’s junior varsity team. According to administrators and eyewitnesses, the Edison wrestler became agitated after losing the match and made gestures and comments toward the referee. The Edison team was given a penalty, and Edison coach Steven Allman went onto the floor.
“From what I understand, the coach was trying to calm him (the wrestler) down, “said Mike Boyd, director of secondary schools for Wood County Schools. “Somehow he (the student) ended up in the bleachers, and then his father came down and got involved. Some sort of altercation occurred between the coach and the father, but I’m not sure at this point whether it was verbal or physical.”
Williamstown police Chief B.D. Adkins said the student allegedly suffered a broken hand, though whether the injury happened during the match or the scuffle is unclear. Allman was allegedly struck by both the student and the parent, Adkins said. None of those involved has pressed charges.
“I am afraid it is getting blown out of proportion. At this point, I am not sure if it is a criminal matter, “Adkins said. “As is, I would probably have to make three arrests.”
Police did not become involved in the matter until several hours after the incident when the father and son spoke with a Williamstown patrolman sometime after 2 a.m. No report of the incident has been filed, Adkins said.
Barton said no Williamstown wrestlers were involved in the incident. Williamstown coach Pat Peters ordered all the students into the locker rooms shortly after the altercation began.
“The only Williamstown people involved were me and Frank, “Barton said.
Boyd said the incident is under investigation, and any disciplinary action toward the student will likely be handled by the school.
The district will help determine whether disciplinary action toward Allman, a teacher’s aide at Edison, is necessary, Boyd said. Any recommendation would be brought before Superintendent Bill Niday for approval.
Karen Brady, assistant principal at Edison, confirmed Allman worked for the school, but directed further questions to the district office.
Barton said the decision to end the match and declare a double forfeit was partially due to the recent number of high-profile incidents of violence involving professional and college sports.
“It’s only a matter of time before it trickles down to our level, “he said. “We wanted to send a message that we wouldn’t tolerate that kind of behavior.”
Niday said he supported Barton’s decision to end the game.
“From the people I’ve talked to, it sounds like it was a wise decision to make, “he said.
Allman declined to comment on the incident.
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