Amherst Regional High School 21 Mattoon Street, Amherst, MA 01002 Phone: (413) 362-1701 Fax: (413) 549-9704 http://www.arps.

org/hs

Mark Jackson, Principal Diane Chamberlain, Assistant Principal Miki Lee Gromacki, Assistant Principal Rich Ferro, Athletic Director

For Immediate Release Thursday, January 17, 2013 During the Amherst/South Hadley boys varsity basketball game on Monday, January 14, an Amherst player intentionally ran into and knocked over the South Hadley coach along the sidelines. Both incidents occurred within a short period of only two to three minutes. Amherst Regional High School officials conducted a thorough investigation which included interviews with Amherst coaches and players as well as review of two separate video tapes of the game. During the course of the investigation, it was learned that Amherst Assistant Coach Eric Wheeler suggested such an action to the student involved. Coach Wheeler was apparently frustrated by the game officials unwillingness to penalize the South Hadley coach for being out of the coaching box and believed that if a player made contact with the coach a technical foul would be assessed. Coach Wheeler shared this belief with the student, who then acted on it. Such conduct is unacceptable under any circumstances and both Mr. Wheelers and the students actions are in extreme opposition to the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Districts expectations for faculty and students. Mr. Wheeler is no longer coaching Amherst students, effective immediately. Mark Jackson, ARHS Principal stated, The student involved in this incident is a minor; therefore, the district will not release any information publicly about the student or any potential consequences for him. As with all behavioral incidents involving adolescents, the district remains committed to helping students understand the consequences of theirs actions as a means to facilitate their overall growth and development. Superintendent Maria Geryk stated, Adults, whether in the classroom or on the basketball court, are models for students and are charged with teaching and supporting students in their academic, social and behavioral growth. I am saddened and disappointed that an adult would create a situation which compromised one of our students. Superintendent Geryk has issued an apology to South Hadley Superintendent Nick Young on behalf of the District and ARHS. Mike Coblyn, Varsity Assistant, will coach the ARHS Junior Varsity A boys basketball team, for the remainder of the 2012-2013 season.