In a surprising turn of events, the Shelton School Board has accepted the resignation of Shelton High’s head football coach following a controversial drill that left several students with serious injuries. The incident, which took place on Jan. 31, has raised concerns among parents and the community about player safety and coaching practices.
The Unsanctioned Drill
According to parents and an attorney, football coaches unexpectedly entered a weightlifting class and took students to a wrestling room for a new tackling drill. Alarmingly, the students were not provided with protective gear such as pads or helmets. Within a span of just 30 minutes, at least five students suffered injuries, some of which were severe.
Student Accounts Masyn Gard, a player at Shelton High School, expressed his trust in his coach but felt the drill became increasingly aggressive and unsafe. Another player, Marshall Gard, witnessed a teammate’s head being slammed into a wall before dislocating his own finger. Doctors informed him that the injury could have lifelong consequences.
Jackson Leth, a 15-year-old player, is currently recovering from a concussion sustained during the drill. He recounted being lifted over another player’s head and slammed onto his own head, despite the coach’s instructions that no one should tackle him.
Coach’s Resignation and Search for New Leadership
At a recent Shelton School Board meeting, chairman Matthew Welander confirmed the acceptance of head coach Mark Smith’s resignation. The district superintendent announced that the search for a new leader for the football program has already commenced.
Lack of Information Frustrates Community
Many in the district were hoping for more information about the Jan. 31 practice, but Welander explained that confidentiality rules prevent the board from providing updates on the ongoing investigations. He expressed his own frustration with the situation, stating, “I get that everyone wants information and I almost vomit on a daily basis because I would love to give people updates.”
The status of other football staff members who were involved in the unsanctioned drill remains unknown at this time.
As the Shelton community grapples with this troubling incident, questions about player safety, coaching practices, and accountability continue to linger. The school board and district administration face the challenging task of rebuilding trust and ensuring the well-being of student-athletes moving forward.
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