Published: July 31, 2015
Graf, Greymont speak out about parents’ letter
To some, coach not a popular choice
By NICHOLAS DETTMANN
Daily News
West Bend high schools Principal Bill Greymont stands by the
choice of Travis Graf as the East girls varsity basketball team.
“He’s a great person and has great passion,” he said
Thursday.
On Monday, a collection of parents sent a multi-page letter
to West Bend School District Superintendent Ted Neitzke claiming they were
“confused” by the hiring of Graf.
“Students and parents have discussed with Mr. Greymont and
(East Athletic Director) Mr. (Shane) Hansen regarding the selection,” the
letter said. “The student-athletes believe their progress has been stunted by a
coach with limited playing experience, lack of coaching expertise and a general
detachment to the school and community.”
Greymont said he was aware of the letter, which was signed
by the families of Schultz, Vickney, Scherzer, Larson, Jommen and Barby.
“My thought is the parents are asking for input,” he said.
“They’re expressing their concerns.”
He added dealing with situations like these is commonplace
with his job.
However, he admitted this circumstance is unique.
The vacancy came about when Don Gruber was fired March 23.
In the weeks that followed, there was speculation about potential improper
benefits from Gruber to players, among other issues.
At the School Board’s April 13 meeting, Neitzke issued an
apology to Gruber, the players and the parents for how Gruber’s firing was
handled by administration and cleared all student-athletes involved free of any
violations.
Gruber has since been hired as the boys basketball coach at
Kewaskum.
Neitzke couldn’t be reached for comment.
“I think we’re in a unfortunate position with where we’ve
ended up,” Greymont said, adding he hopes time heals wounds.
Graf’s passion, experience and knowledge for the game were
factors as to why Greymont choose Graf. But parents didn’t agree with Greymont.
Graf has one year of coaching experience and it was at a
small high school in South Dakota.
“I know there’s some people angry, but I haven’t dealt with
it,” Graf said. “The kids I’ve been around are excited. I even asked them if
they’re having fun and they said they are.”
The letter questioned why Ron Larson, East’s junior varsity
boys basketball coach, didn’t get the job.
“(Graf) was named head coach close to eight weeks ago and
has done nothing to help the incoming freshmen girls learn the game of
basketball,” the letter said. “Knowing West Bend High School touts ‘excellence’
in athletics, Mr. Greymont was unable to offer any concrete examples of
‘excellence’ in Mr. Graf’s coaching history when asked by several parents,
students and concerned citizens.”
The letter later states, “Why would Principal Greymont, an
advocate for student-athletes, compare the two resumes of Graf and Larson and
deem Graf more qualified merely by the face he has ‘head coach’ listed on his
resume and has a teacher’s license?
“Five years as a head JV boys coach at a large high school
greatly outweighs one year at a high school of 53 students.”
Just like in the letter, Greymont confirmed he made the
decision to hire Graf after recommendations were made through the interview
process. He said the “nature of what was occurring” was a reason why he made
the decision.
Despite the opposition, Graf has done the best he can
getting settled into his new position.
“The only thing I can control is they hired me for this
job,” Graf said. “I’m going to stay positive. The girls deserve that.”
The letter addressed Graf’s alleged lack of contact with
players this summer. He said that is limited by WIAA’s Rules of Contact.
WIAA rule says he’s allotted as many as to five days of
unrestricted school coaching contact between the end of school and July 31.
Graf was announced as the Suns coach June 9.
The East and West graduations were June 7.
With that in mind, Graf asked Rick Riehl to help.
Riehl, who led East’s girls basketball team to the state
title in 1984, gladly accepted.
“I wanted to help,” Riehl said, adding he said he wanted to
do whatever he could to help. “I appreciated that he asked.”
Asked if he believed Graf was being unfairly treated, Riehl
was reminded of his situation in the 1970s. When Riehl arrived in West Bend, he
believed he was going to become a baseball coach. By the late 1970s, he was
asked if he could coach the East girls basketball team.
He accepted the offer and began coaching the program in the
1977-78 season. Six years later, Riehl won a state championship.
That’s what Graf and Greymont are hoping for.
“My only comment is give it a little bit of time,” Graf said.
“There’s a lot of people and they have their reasons for being angry. I’m just
going to go do my job.”
He added the parents he’s spoken with have been supportive.
The letter also addressed Graf’s employment. It states Graf
is not employed by the district. Greymont denied that.
He will be a day-sub in the high schools, floating from
class to class as needed.
Greymont admitted the proverbial microscope is in close on
Graf. But he has faith Graf can and will get the job done.
“They’ll see his dedication to kids,” Greymont said.
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