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What is going on in Winona?


RandomMan

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The coach was re-assigned a few weeks ago....No one seems to know why or at least no one is saying. We played them early and obviously they are a struggling team but seemed to be on the right track....then BAM! Coaching change...kids out of control vs Sabine ????

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This is some info someone IM'ed me concerning the "reassignment". All I can say is WOW. Anyone need a good coach!

 

After 11 incidences with the son of a school board member, he finally threw the kid off the team after the kid cussed him during halftime of a game in December. Coach Gann had to meet repeatedly with the SUPT (the parents went straight to him because they have gone to church with, and been family friends for 20 years). After several meetings the Supt agreed to back Coach's decision. The next game, the starting PG, cousin of the kicked off player, who just happens to live with the same family, took his jersey off and quit in the middle of the 2nd quarter...just left the floor. The wife of the school board member began screaming from the stands at the coach. Some that was screamed for all to hear was "sit down (can't repeat)" "You are a racist (can't repeat)". This was screamed / heard by everyone, including the other coaches and officials.

 

The next evening, the wife of the school board member, mother of the kicked off player, Aunt of the kid who walked out, addressed the school board at their December meeting. She accussed Coach Gann of being a racist, implied that he had an inappropriate relationship with a female student-manager, that he was incompetent, had too many rules, tried to punch an official during a game, and was dangerous while driving the players on a bus. She demanded that he be reassigned immediately. This was at a public forum to the school board! The next day, multiple people who were at the meeting (pricipals, the AD, band director, Supts secretary, etc...all made sure they informed Coach Gann what was said and how awful it was to sit and listen to that while the school board did nothing to stop it. They all offered to back him if / when it might be necessary. By the way, ALL of those accusations are outrageous! He is a solid professional.

 

After the first district game where they lost by 5 to Union Grove, after making only 2 of 21 free throws, the wife of the school board member and a couple of other parents were screaming and cussing Coach Gann again. This was witnessed but the UG Head Coach and their Principal. Coach Gann requested a meeting with the Supt the following week. At the meeting, Coach requested that the offending parents be banned, especially the one lady.

The Supt. agreed that she was outrageous and should be banned, but he thought it would only add fuel to the fire and recommended that he just have a talk with her and warn her...again. Coach said that wouldn't be good enough and insisted she be banned, then told the Supt that he had gotten a lawyer through the coaches association and that he waqs hoping the supt would handle this. Mind you, Coach had already gone through the AD to get this done, in fact the AD had filed a petition through the district to the supt that that woman be banned from any school functions where he or Coach Gann would be since she also accused the AD of being racist, threatened to have the board remove him also, and threatened to work against the proposed bond issue if either he or Coach Gann were retained! This, by a school board members wife! The supt denied the petition saying that he talked to the woman and was sure it wouldn't happen again.

The next day, during the last period of the day, the Supt. informed the AD that he would reassign Coach Gann immediately. The AD and Coach Gann's MS Principal both argued that he was doing a great job, this wasn't right, and that they wanted him back, but the supt. said 4 of the 7 board members had told him that Coach Gann would not be approved for next year under any circumstances. So the Supt wanted the change immediately. Coach Gann was told 1 hour before the kids were to meet and get on the bus for the game at White Oak.

All he has been doing is seeking legal aid and teaching his middle school classes. He will not even be coaching track, and isn't supposed to go near athletics or the gym.

 

ALL of Coach Gann's fellow teachers and coaches, both past and present are stunned. He is an excellent teacher, in charge of social studies TAKS. He has 6 state championships in 4 sports at the 3-4-5A levels. He has been heavily recruited in the past years as a head coach, was the top assistant at Kennedale for 4 years, and STILL drives three basketball players to school every morning since their house burnt down right before Christmas and they are living with friends in Tyler. He NEVER cusses the kids, rarely raises his voice, and as an ex-Army Captain he is an excellent leader. His coaching knowledge is OUTSTANDING. He will never compromise his beliefs. He is so well liked and respected that the day BEFORE this happened he was voted district teacher of the month for January by fellow teachers. Ironic huh?

Its no surprise they will be on their 5th head coach in 5 years. I hope his reputation and career will be ok. He is pretty down about his prospects.

 

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Guest Bear_Den
This is some info someone IM'ed me concerning the "reassignment". All I can say is WOW. Anyone need a good coach!

 

After 11 incidences with the son of a school board member, he finally threw the kid off the team after the kid cussed him during halftime of a game in December. Coach Gann had to meet repeatedly with the SUPT (the parents went straight to him because they have gone to church with, and been family friends for 20 years). After several meetings the Supt agreed to back Coach's decision. The next game, the starting PG, cousin of the kicked off player, who just happens to live with the same family, took his jersey off and quit in the middle of the 2nd quarter...just left the floor. The wife of the school board member began screaming from the stands at the coach. Some that was screamed for all to hear was "sit down (can't repeat)" "You are a racist (can't repeat)". This was screamed / heard by everyone, including the other coaches and officials.

 

The next evening, the wife of the school board member, mother of the kicked off player, Aunt of the kid who walked out, addressed the school board at their December meeting. She accussed Coach Gann of being a racist, implied that he had an inappropriate relationship with a female student-manager, that he was incompetent, had too many rules, tried to punch an official during a game, and was dangerous while driving the players on a bus. She demanded that he be reassigned immediately. This was at a public forum to the school board! The next day, multiple people who were at the meeting (pricipals, the AD, band director, Supts secretary, etc...all made sure they informed Coach Gann what was said and how awful it was to sit and listen to that while the school board did nothing to stop it. They all offered to back him if / when it might be necessary. By the way, ALL of those accusations are outrageous! He is a solid professional.

 

After the first district game where they lost by 5 to Union Grove, after making only 2 of 21 free throws, the wife of the school board member and a couple of other parents were screaming and cussing Coach Gann again. This was witnessed but the UG Head Coach and their Principal. Coach Gann requested a meeting with the Supt the following week. At the meeting, Coach requested that the offending parents be banned, especially the one lady.

The Supt. agreed that she was outrageous and should be banned, but he thought it would only add fuel to the fire and recommended that he just have a talk with her and warn her...again. Coach said that wouldn't be good enough and insisted she be banned, then told the Supt that he had gotten a lawyer through the coaches association and that he waqs hoping the supt would handle this. Mind you, Coach had already gone through the AD to get this done, in fact the AD had filed a petition through the district to the supt that that woman be banned from any school functions where he or Coach Gann would be since she also accused the AD of being racist, threatened to have the board remove him also, and threatened to work against the proposed bond issue if either he or Coach Gann were retained! This, by a school board members wife! The supt denied the petition saying that he talked to the woman and was sure it wouldn't happen again.

The next day, during the last period of the day, the Supt. informed the AD that he would reassign Coach Gann immediately. The AD and Coach Gann's MS Principal both argued that he was doing a great job, this wasn't right, and that they wanted him back, but the supt. said 4 of the 7 board members had told him that Coach Gann would not be approved for next year under any circumstances. So the Supt wanted the change immediately. Coach Gann was told 1 hour before the kids were to meet and get on the bus for the game at White Oak.

All he has been doing is seeking legal aid and teaching his middle school classes. He will not even be coaching track, and isn't supposed to go near athletics or the gym.

 

ALL of Coach Gann's fellow teachers and coaches, both past and present are stunned. He is an excellent teacher, in charge of social studies TAKS. He has 6 state championships in 4 sports at the 3-4-5A levels. He has been heavily recruited in the past years as a head coach, was the top assistant at Kennedale for 4 years, and STILL drives three basketball players to school every morning since their house burnt down right before Christmas and they are living with friends in Tyler. He NEVER cusses the kids, rarely raises his voice, and as an ex-Army Captain he is an excellent leader. His coaching knowledge is OUTSTANDING. He will never compromise his beliefs. He is so well liked and respected that the day BEFORE this happened he was voted district teacher of the month for January by fellow teachers. Ironic huh?

Its no surprise they will be on their 5th head coach in 5 years. I hope his reputation and career will be ok. He is pretty down about his prospects.

 

 

Wow

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If the wife of the board member in open forumn at a board meeting was allowed to speak about specific personnel and make disparging remarks

 

Then board, superintendent, and the wife are all liable for those actions

 

since that is not allowed except in executive session

 

The coach if he wishes will have many civil issues to investigate

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Wow...is an understatement. Sounds like the people of Winona should take school board elections a little more seriously. Then go out and get a Superintendent with a moral back-bone!!!!!! I feel for the coach and know there is a good school out there waiting for him. A little sad for the kids...the lack of lesson taught. As for the community...sounds like they are deserving!!!!!

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This is some info someone IM'ed me concerning the "reassignment". All I can say is WOW. Anyone need a good coach!

 

After 11 incidences with the son of a school board member, he finally threw the kid off the team after the kid cussed him during halftime of a game in December. Coach Gann had to meet repeatedly with the SUPT (the parents went straight to him because they have gone to church with, and been family friends for 20 years). After several meetings the Supt agreed to back Coach's decision. The next game, the starting PG, cousin of the kicked off player, who just happens to live with the same family, took his jersey off and quit in the middle of the 2nd quarter...just left the floor. The wife of the school board member began screaming from the stands at the coach. Some that was screamed for all to hear was "sit down (can't repeat)" "You are a racist (can't repeat)". This was screamed / heard by everyone, including the other coaches and officials.

 

The next evening, the wife of the school board member, mother of the kicked off player, Aunt of the kid who walked out, addressed the school board at their December meeting. She accussed Coach Gann of being a racist, implied that he had an inappropriate relationship with a female student-manager, that he was incompetent, had too many rules, tried to punch an official during a game, and was dangerous while driving the players on a bus. She demanded that he be reassigned immediately. This was at a public forum to the school board! The next day, multiple people who were at the meeting (pricipals, the AD, band director, Supts secretary, etc...all made sure they informed Coach Gann what was said and how awful it was to sit and listen to that while the school board did nothing to stop it. They all offered to back him if / when it might be necessary. By the way, ALL of those accusations are outrageous! He is a solid professional.

 

After the first district game where they lost by 5 to Union Grove, after making only 2 of 21 free throws, the wife of the school board member and a couple of other parents were screaming and cussing Coach Gann again. This was witnessed but the UG Head Coach and their Principal. Coach Gann requested a meeting with the Supt the following week. At the meeting, Coach requested that the offending parents be banned, especially the one lady.

The Supt. agreed that she was outrageous and should be banned, but he thought it would only add fuel to the fire and recommended that he just have a talk with her and warn her...again. Coach said that wouldn't be good enough and insisted she be banned, then told the Supt that he had gotten a lawyer through the coaches association and that he waqs hoping the supt would handle this. Mind you, Coach had already gone through the AD to get this done, in fact the AD had filed a petition through the district to the supt that that woman be banned from any school functions where he or Coach Gann would be since she also accused the AD of being racist, threatened to have the board remove him also, and threatened to work against the proposed bond issue if either he or Coach Gann were retained! This, by a school board members wife! The supt denied the petition saying that he talked to the woman and was sure it wouldn't happen again.

The next day, during the last period of the day, the Supt. informed the AD that he would reassign Coach Gann immediately. The AD and Coach Gann's MS Principal both argued that he was doing a great job, this wasn't right, and that they wanted him back, but the supt. said 4 of the 7 board members had told him that Coach Gann would not be approved for next year under any circumstances. So the Supt wanted the change immediately. Coach Gann was told 1 hour before the kids were to meet and get on the bus for the game at White Oak.

All he has been doing is seeking legal aid and teaching his middle school classes. He will not even be coaching track, and isn't supposed to go near athletics or the gym.

 

ALL of Coach Gann's fellow teachers and coaches, both past and present are stunned. He is an excellent teacher, in charge of social studies TAKS. He has 6 state championships in 4 sports at the 3-4-5A levels. He has been heavily recruited in the past years as a head coach, was the top assistant at Kennedale for 4 years, and STILL drives three basketball players to school every morning since their house burnt down right before Christmas and they are living with friends in Tyler. He NEVER cusses the kids, rarely raises his voice, and as an ex-Army Captain he is an excellent leader. His coaching knowledge is OUTSTANDING. He will never compromise his beliefs. He is so well liked and respected that the day BEFORE this happened he was voted district teacher of the month for January by fellow teachers. Ironic huh?

Its no surprise they will be on their 5th head coach in 5 years. I hope his reputation and career will be ok. He is pretty down about his prospects.

 

This is why the kids act the way they do today. There alleged "parents" act even worse. Winona needs to get some sense. Absolutley pathetic.

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This is really a shame. It's no wonder the team acts like they did at Sabine. It's being taught to them by the people they are supposed to be able to look up to.

That basketball team really has some good looking athletes. A little direction and they could really be something special. I hope the good people at Winona get control of what is going on within the school board and administration for the kids sake.

 

Best of luck to you, Coach Gann.

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This is some info someone IM'ed me concerning the "reassignment". All I can say is WOW. Anyone need a good coach!

 

After 11 incidences with the son of a school board member, he finally threw the kid off the team after the kid cussed him during halftime of a game in December. Coach Gann had to meet repeatedly with the SUPT (the parents went straight to him because they have gone to church with, and been family friends for 20 years). After several meetings the Supt agreed to back Coach's decision. The next game, the starting PG, cousin of the kicked off player, who just happens to live with the same family, took his jersey off and quit in the middle of the 2nd quarter...just left the floor. The wife of the school board member began screaming from the stands at the coach. Some that was screamed for all to hear was "sit down (can't repeat)" "You are a racist (can't repeat)". This was screamed / heard by everyone, including the other coaches and officials.

 

The next evening, the wife of the school board member, mother of the kicked off player, Aunt of the kid who walked out, addressed the school board at their December meeting. She accussed Coach Gann of being a racist, implied that he had an inappropriate relationship with a female student-manager, that he was incompetent, had too many rules, tried to punch an official during a game, and was dangerous while driving the players on a bus. She demanded that he be reassigned immediately. This was at a public forum to the school board! The next day, multiple people who were at the meeting (pricipals, the AD, band director, Supts secretary, etc...all made sure they informed Coach Gann what was said and how awful it was to sit and listen to that while the school board did nothing to stop it. They all offered to back him if / when it might be necessary. By the way, ALL of those accusations are outrageous! He is a solid professional.

 

After the first district game where they lost by 5 to Union Grove, after making only 2 of 21 free throws, the wife of the school board member and a couple of other parents were screaming and cussing Coach Gann again. This was witnessed but the UG Head Coach and their Principal. Coach Gann requested a meeting with the Supt the following week. At the meeting, Coach requested that the offending parents be banned, especially the one lady.

The Supt. agreed that she was outrageous and should be banned, but he thought it would only add fuel to the fire and recommended that he just have a talk with her and warn her...again. Coach said that wouldn't be good enough and insisted she be banned, then told the Supt that he had gotten a lawyer through the coaches association and that he waqs hoping the supt would handle this. Mind you, Coach had already gone through the AD to get this done, in fact the AD had filed a petition through the district to the supt that that woman be banned from any school functions where he or Coach Gann would be since she also accused the AD of being racist, threatened to have the board remove him also, and threatened to work against the proposed bond issue if either he or Coach Gann were retained! This, by a school board members wife! The supt denied the petition saying that he talked to the woman and was sure it wouldn't happen again.

The next day, during the last period of the day, the Supt. informed the AD that he would reassign Coach Gann immediately. The AD and Coach Gann's MS Principal both argued that he was doing a great job, this wasn't right, and that they wanted him back, but the supt. said 4 of the 7 board members had told him that Coach Gann would not be approved for next year under any circumstances. So the Supt wanted the change immediately. Coach Gann was told 1 hour before the kids were to meet and get on the bus for the game at White Oak.

All he has been doing is seeking legal aid and teaching his middle school classes. He will not even be coaching track, and isn't supposed to go near athletics or the gym.

 

ALL of Coach Gann's fellow teachers and coaches, both past and present are stunned. He is an excellent teacher, in charge of social studies TAKS. He has 6 state championships in 4 sports at the 3-4-5A levels. He has been heavily recruited in the past years as a head coach, was the top assistant at Kennedale for 4 years, and STILL drives three basketball players to school every morning since their house burnt down right before Christmas and they are living with friends in Tyler. He NEVER cusses the kids, rarely raises his voice, and as an ex-Army Captain he is an excellent leader. His coaching knowledge is OUTSTANDING. He will never compromise his beliefs. He is so well liked and respected that the day BEFORE this happened he was voted district teacher of the month for January by fellow teachers. Ironic huh?

Its no surprise they will be on their 5th head coach in 5 years. I hope his reputation and career will be ok. He is pretty down about his prospects.

 

This is truly sad. I hope that this guy gets a good lawyer and sets things straight there. If not, I am sure it will continue and the students will continue to be hurt.

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Winona; where it's always someone else's fault.

 

It's always something, supt., principal, coach. Never teh kids or the parents. You would think that eventually the powers that be might just realize they may be the problem, but then again that would take a little bit of knowledge or intestinal fortitude. God Bless all the good people that have to deal with this mess.

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^now that was funny

 

I can tell you first hand, those people in Winona are crazy, the crazy fans sit right on top of the players from the visiting team. I mean close enough to touch them. We were unbeaten and they had only one loss in district, when our principal and athletic director had to go and stand behind our players, because their fans were throwing things and acting crazy. During our Varsity girls game, there was an old man, you could smell his alcoholic breath from 20' away, taking trash to our girls, he was finally told to shut up or leave, we asked Barney, the deputy on duty to do something about him and he just looked at us. Coach Gann, after you cash that check from the Sup. and board members, especially that fine Christian mother and her board Hubby, thank them for helping you get out of that hell hole.

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Just wondering? Are these Winona fans that were calling the coach racist and raising a ruckus the ones who always sit on the visitor side across from the Winona bench?

 

Who is the basketball coach there now?

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