HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-10357 Minutes 9/10/03, 6:30 p.m. Attendance: Steve Farkas, Bud Shattuck, Katrina Greenly, Meg Overstrom, and Doug McEver. A special working meeting with reference to the Recreation Department Complaint: Gavitt/Nedrow /Glennons vs. 14u Girls Softball Coach Randy Randall, Sheila Bowman, and the Lansing Recreation Department. In reference to: Kaycee Nedrow and Veronica Glennon -Randy Randall read his response to the letter read to the board on August 201h (see letter). -Linda Randall read letter to the board (see letter). -Steve Colt talked about how the Summer Traveling Softball League functioned as an independent unit with the coaches responsible for rules, regulations, and enforcement of such. Problems in any year are addressed in review the next year at the pre- season coaches organizational meeting. - Discussion of Meg and Steve's phone call to each other. - Sheila Bowman read letter of seven parents who were at the meeting called by coach Randall after a practice following the Southern Cayuga game at issue. Coach (see attached letter.) -Linda Randall read a letter from the Groton Coach the refuted several aspects of the claim against Coach Randall that there was any thing untoward at the day of the tournament vote. -Steve Colt spoke of how the tournament itself is set up. #2 Katrina invited the parents up to the front table to enter into a discussion of the events and the letters that were read. - Rhonda Glennon: Veronica did not sign up to play on the summer travel team because she was going to be unavailable to go to practice the first week, but she never showed up. She was not taken off the roster. -Eric Gavitt: Kaycee could not give 100% to the team due to other commitments. That would continue until the season was half over. -Mr. Nedrow: Kaycee was too busy at the start. Later they were invited to play for Southern Cayuga by the SC coach thru Mr. Gavitt. -Linda Randall: expressed concern for the girls' behavior at the SC game. They were said to have not greeted their Lansing teammates. -Mr. Nedrow stated that `team swapping' had been addressed by Randy the previous year. He had set a precedent in 2002. That was the way that is was perceived. #3 Discussion of the `Team meeting', -The girls and their parents had been reportedly `maligned'. There was no particular information about how they came to know this. - Katrina corrected the discussion of which meeting that they were referring to when this happened. It was clarified that the meeting was during the tournament day. -Coach May claims that he was not allowed to vote at this meeting. The Groton Coach disagrees with this statement. -Randy says that he did not discuss this with the other coaches in advance of Saturday's meeting. - Another coach is supposedly supporting the Southern Cayuga coach's assertion. -Claim that Veronica was singled out when there were plenty of other towns that had players not adhering to the coaches' agreements. -Steve Colt confirms that the coaches' jobs were not done properly for there to be this sort of problem. This year must be used to improve the following ones. -Steve Nedrow misunderstood Randy's statement on the ball -field Saturday when Randy said "I hope your daughter tries out for the team next year. I cannot promise that she will get the position. However I am sure that she will have a good chance because of her ability." 358 September 10, 2003, continued It is apparent that there were many misinterpreted statements There is some culpability of the Southern Cayuga Coach that organizational meeting. There is certainly some blame to the Cayuga game that cried `traitor' and upped the ante for peace times that peace could have been made and should have been tournament. Steve Colt will take greater interest in the set up the coming year. in this claim of events. was present at the parents at the Southern making. There are many made along the way to the of the tournament rules in It is advised by the board that there be several overseers of the tournament to negotiate any conflict that may arise on the day of playoffs. If Lansing does not want to be perceived as the owner of the Tournament, then it is also advisable that the go -to organizer of that day be a rotating responsibility among the coaches rather than Lansing's coach repeatedly. Furthermore, any other conflicts of this kind shall be brought first to the attention of the Recreation Director at that time, and if -after concerted effort — that person is unable to negotiate a productive recourse, then shall the matter be brought before a review committee made up of three people: the Recreation Director, the Recreation Liaison of the Town Board, and another neutral person that shall be named at that time of need. No other action at this time shall be taken. This has the full agreement of the Lansing Town Board. Minutes submitted by Katrina Greenly. September 10, 2003 Dear Lansing Town Board Members: This letter is in response to Mr. Eric Gavitt's letter written and presented to you at the Town Board meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2003. I appreciate you taking the time to hear the "other side of the story" I only wish I could have been present the night Mr. Gavitt publicly "aired" his threatening accusations about me along with several incomplete pieces of information. Had I been present, you all would have had a clearer understanding of the situation that was presented to you. Unfortunately, I was not "privileged" to be aware of the proceeding that took place that night against me. First, I think we all agree that the programs the Recreation Department offers are top notch and beyond reproach. I commend Steve Colt and all the volunteer coaches for the success of these programs. With that said I'll get right to the heart of the matter. The reason Kaycee Nedrow was not able to play in the tournament was a very simple one. She was not eligible to play — under the agreement voted on before league play started: by all the 14U coaches — that agreement was: To be eligible to play in the tournament at the end of league play, each player had to play in at least half of the games played by their respective team during the season. Perhaps the Gavitt's were not informed of the eligibility agreement by Mr. May (the Southern Cayuga coach) when he asked Kaycee to play. Had they known, this whole situation would most probably not have occurred. The vote that took place the morning of the tournament should never have had to take place, but because of the controversy, it was decided to let the "league " make the decision on a "whole." I did "caution" the coaches prior to the vote that if a decision was made that would overrule and agreement already in place, that the "league" itself could be put in jeopardy. I never said "this girl's future is in jeopardy," as was reported to the Gavitt's. The outcome of the vote was as follows: Groton, Dryden and Lansing voted no, Ithaca voted yes — until — the Ithaca coach turned and asked Mr. May if he had enough players without this girl to play in the tournament. Mr. May's response to that question was yes. The Ithaca coach then said that he votes no. The Trumansburg coach abstained and Mr. May was never told that he was not allowed to vote — as was reported to the Gavitt's. September 10, 2003, continued In response to my "supposed" statement that Kaycee would be able to play with Lansing but not Southern Cayuga, I was again falsely misrepresented. What was said was that at any time during the season had Kaycee decided she wanted to play ball (and this included Veronica Glennon as well) that both girls would have been welcome on the team at anytime. They would have been able to play in the tournament just like everyone else, provided they met the eligibility agreement. Had the Gavitt's chosen to call me sooner than the evening before the tournament with their concerns of "unresolved issues," perhaps a more peaceful conclusion could have been reached. Unfortunately, I was not home on Friday evening to receive Mr. Gavitt's call. In regards to the telephone conversation I had with Mr. May on the Monday following the Southern Cayuga/Lansing game, I was very disappointed at the events that were relayed to me by the Lansing parents present at the game and my assistant coach Sheila Bowman. I expressed those feeling to Mr. May and told him that I would have to talk with Mr. Colt regarding the events of that day. It wasn't until I talked to my girls at practice a few days later, with some parents present, that I realized the extent of emotional pain that was suffered by the Lansing players as a result of the events of that game. I gave the players the opportunity to express their feelings — as we all know that communication is key to any healing process. Obviously the discussion involved their two teammates who showed up to play with Southern Cayuga against them. At no time did I ever "insult" the Glennon's or the Gavitt's and certainly not their daughters. I did not achieve 21 successful years of coaching by stooping to such as I have been accused. In response to the conversation I had with Mr. Glennon during a pre- season volleyball practice in the High School gym, I stated to Mr. Glennon my concerns in regards to the repercussions that all the girls involved would have to face amongst themselves. If he interpreted any other meaning from that conversation then he was mistaken. As I stated before, I did not achieve 21 years of successful coaching by using such terms as I have been accused. Another of Mr. Glennons comments also warrants a response. I have been the tournament director for the past 2 -3 years as well as a coach. Prior to that, the tournament was directed for many years by another coach of a Lansing team. There have never been concerns regarding this "matter" before. I find the comments in Mr. Glennon's ending paragraph to be a "timely coincidence." In closing, I would like to first state that I have coached both Kaycee Nedrow and Veronica Glennon in the past with tremendous support. Secondly, I would like to personally thank Steve Nedrow for confronting the situation head on by talking with me before and after the tournament. He conveyed to me that he was not pleased with the situation that involved his daughter, Kaycee Nedrow, but he realized and stated that the coaches had voted — and that now we needed to move on from here. I reassured him that this is definitely what we need to do for the welfare of all the girls involved. I also expressed to Mr. Nedrow that I wanted and expected Kaycee to try -out for the JV team in the Spring, I appreciated Mr. Nedrow's concerns. However, I do NOT appreciate a board member, namely Mrs. Overstrom, publicly taking a strand against me. It's my understanding that a duty of a board member is to be neutral in resolving a 2 sided issue in a fair and ethical manner. I feel very strongly that I was done a grave injustice. I would like you, the Town Board members, to understand and realize the compassion and love I have for Lansing and all the positive things it stands for. I'm very proud to be an integral part of the Lansing Recreation and Lansing Schools — having had the opportunity to coach 100's of children from kindergartners to seniors from 1982 to the present. Unselfishly I have given countless hours to the Lansing youth and at times sacrificing valuable family time to give to others; absolutely not wanting anything in return — only to see the kids happy with their results. I have always gone the distance giving everyone, and I mean everyone, a chance to do what they desire. I never have and never would do anything to jeopardize Lansing's youth. I'm very confident that we all can reach a reasonable solution to ensure that all the girls have the most positive environment possible. 359 360 September 10, 2003, continued I sincerely thank you for making the time to listen. Very Respectfully Submitted, Randy Randall September 10, 2003 Dear Lansing Town Board Members: Thank you for taking the time to hear my concerns and responses to the situation you have had presented to you by Mr. Gavitt. I intend to speak very "frankly" in this letter in order to clarify and present a more "complete picture" since we were not given the opportunity to do so on August 20, 2003. Since "it" all started in Southern Cayuga — that's where I'll start. When Southern Cayuga arrived to the field on that Saturday, our girls were quite stunned to see Kaycee Nedrow and Veronica Glennon proceed to Southern Cayuga's side of the field wearing Southern Cayuga colors. They were also stunned when their 2 peers completely failed to acknowledge any of them. Without exaggeration, our girls chins dropped to the ground. Imagine what was going through their minds. It was said by on of the girls, "those were our modified captains." You heard in Mr. Gavitt's letter that Kaycee and Veronica were extended a "friendly" invitation to play with Southern Cayuga. Imagine how different the outcome of that day could have been if "friendly" had happened instead of zero acknowledgement. You also heard they were asked to play as Southern Cayuga was short players. What you didn't hear was that a Southern Cayuga player sat the bench while a Lansing player played in the field. Your heard about "supposed" cat calls and insults from the Lansing team, but you didn't hear about the 2 Lansing girls telling their Southern Cayuga teammates where our strengths and weaknesses were and where to hit and not hit the ball. You heard Mr. Gavitt speak of being insulted by a Lansing parent, but you didn't hear him speak about the insulting and ridiculing way that Mr. May (the Southern Cayuga coach) spoke to our starting pitcher. You heard about their anguish, now you've heard about ours. You were presented a very one -sided picture, but you weren't shown the other half. I cannot even begin to put into works the emotional upheaval our girls and Sheila Bowman experienced before, during and after that game. Emotions continue to run somewhat rampant even now. The other day when we met with Ms. Greenly there were several people with tears in their eyes and unsteady voices as we spoke of the accusations made against Randy and Sheila. Speaking for Randy, I can tell you that a more positive, caring and compassionate man would be hard to find. His sense of loyalty and community has always put the kids first. His determination to provide all the kids whose lives he's touched, with opportunity, has lead him to where he is today — trying and succeeding to help children learn and grow. To help "guide" them in this big, bad world we all live in. To provide them with skills they'll have for a lifetime and memories they'll cherish forever. As I look back at Randy's 14 years as a Lansing Recreation volunteer coach I remember many things. I remember the many nights that dinner would be ready, but Randy wasn't home yet. When he would finally make it home I'd give him the "look" and his response was always the pretty much the same. "oh practice went '/2 hour longer" or "the girls wanted to hit around again" or "so and so wanted extra fielding practice" or oops! "I was talking to a parent and lost track of time." I realized that coaching is as much a part of Randy's life as getting up each morning, eating 3 meals a day and going to work. I think about the faces of his little wrestlers when they finally realized that it's okay to "pig- pile" coach Randall after practice. I remember the little girl whose picking daisies in the outfield and 10 years later that same little girl is making diving catches. I remember the incomprehensible amount of hours he had dedicated to children over the years and although he has missed valuable family time, I would never ask for any of the time back. Because for every hour or minute he was coaching, he was 361 September 10, 2003, continued touching someone else's life. Randy is not just a "coach ". He is father, mother, best friend, role model and hope. I remember seeing Randy there for all 800+ kids he has had the pleasure of coaching in the last 14 years. The smiles, the laughter, the tears ..... I remember it all ! ! ! I hope that the "picture" has become more complete. I could write the never - ending story, but I won't. I just wanted to "paint" Randy into the picture for you to see clearly, as this was never an option for us to do on August 20, 2003. I would like to add that I feel Mrs. Overstrom showed very poor judgement in publicly showing support to the Gavitt's without giving "us" the fair opportunity to be heard as well. In closing, I would once again like to thank you for taking the time to let us be heard. Respectfully, Linda Randall September 8, 2003 Dear Lansing Town Board Members: We are writing on behalf of the Lansing 14U girls' softball team in response to a letter dated Wednesday, August 20, 2003, addressed to the Town Board, written by Eric Gavitt. As parents of the Lansing 14U girls we are disheartened that this situation was brought before the board without any representation of the Lansing team's reaction to this situation, and how well coach Randall handled it. Katrina Greenly asked parents who were in attendance of a team meeting to address the paragraph regarding the `impromptu meeting of Lansing players and parents.' Coach Randall had a meeting at the end of the next practice in order to give the players a chance to speak and their parents the opportunity to clarify any questions that they might have. Coach Randall was very gracious and kind, allowing each girl to express their feelings and ask any questions they had regarding Kaycee Nedrow playing for the Southern Cayuga softball team. After each girl had a turn to speak, he asked them to `put it behind them, to forgive and forget.' Many of the girls stated that it really hurt their feelings that Kaycee would choose to play against her teammates. Kaycee and Veronica were both captains of the modified team and many team members didn't understand why they chose not to play for the Lansing team from the beginning. Some of the players said they would have a hard time speaking to the girls again. They stated that they were disappointed and mad that Kaycee and Veronica would choose to play against them instead of with them. Coach Randall encouraged them to not let their anger go any further. He asked that it `end here' and not to carry it over into the school year. Many players wondered why neither Kaycee nor Veronica played for the Lansing team. Coach Randall could not answer this question, but stated that if these girls wanted to play, he would have hoped they would have let him know and joined the Lansing team. During this meeting many parents and team members asked if Kaycee would be allowed to play in the tournament. Coach Randall let the parents know that the coaches had a `gentlemen's agreement' at the beginning of the season that a player had to participate in at least half of the season in order to play in the tournament, but that we would just have to see what the other coaches decided Saturday morning. 362 September 10, 2003, continued We feel it is really a shame that a commendable coach has to be accused of unjust wrongdoing. Coach Randall has touched many of our children's lives in such a positive way. He has invested thousands of hours coaching, wrestling, basketball and softball in Lansing, he certainly doesn't deserve to be treated this way. Sincerely, Tama Melice, Wendy Earl, Stephanie Swearingen, Shawn Wagstaff, Debbie Nichols, Colleen Brink and Anita L. Fenner September 10, 2003 To Whom it May Concern, Before the 14 yrs and under summer season began, all coaches involved agreed that all team members must play in '/2 of all games that their teams played, to be eligible to play in the post season tournament. We were made aware of the fact that Southern Cayuga team wanted to use a player for the tournament, that had not play in '/2 of the teams games. Therefore on the morning of the tournament, at the normal pre -game (tournament) meeting, the coaches all voted on the player in questions eligibility and she was voted not able to play. Southern Cayuga coach voted that she should play, the Ithaca coach said she should until he asked Southern Cayuga's coach if he had enough players without her. When the coach said he did, then the Ithaca coach said that he wanted to and did say she shouldn't be allowed to play. Everyone, including myself, said that she shouldn't be allowed to play. Mr. Randall voted last and it was already clear before he voted that it was not alright for her to play, because of the rule that we all agreed upon, before the start of the season. So Mr. Randall's vote did not effect the final decision of all coaches. Sincerely, Sheila A. Quasella September 9, 2003 Dear Town of Lansing Board Members, I am writing this letter in response to the minutes from the August 20, 2003 Town Board meeting. This response follows the order of the minutes from the afore mentioned date. I cannot comment on situations where I was not present. I am requesting that my letter be included in the minutes for this evenings meeting. On Saturday July 19, 2003 I was asked to coach the Lansing girls 14 and under softball game against Southern Cayuga. Mr. Randall could not make the game and I had been volunteering my time as assistant coach throughout the summer league season. While preparing the girls for the morning's games, it was brought to my attention that Kaycee Nedrow would be playing for the Southern Cayuga team. My first reaction was to call Mr. Randall to find out if Kaycee was eligible to play for their team, he said that indeed she was able to because she had not been named on the Lansing roster for the season. I immediately asked if Veronica Glennon had been named to our roster earlier in the season and Mr. Randall had informed me that her name was on our roster. At this point in time Veronica's name did not appear on the Southern Cayuga line up. I had no problems with Kaycee playing for Southern Cayuga. Just minutes before the game was to begin, the scorekeeper for Southern Cayuga came over to add a player to the lineup. She announced that Veronica would be playing for them as well. That is when I made Coach May aware of the fact that Veronica had been on our roster since the beginning of the season. Due to that fact, she would not be allowed to play for their team. He said, "Ok" and walked back to his bench. It should also be know that Coach May was not short players that morning. According to the scorebook Coach May had 10 girls in the lineup that morning, including Kaycee. In softball there only need to be 9 players. In this particular league a coach is allowed to have all players hit, although only 9 play defensively. It should be noted that Kaycee played the entire game at first base, which 363 September 10, 2003, continued left one of Southern Cayuga's girls sitting the bench at one point or another. The extra player hit and ran for herself, so this means she could not have been injured. I would like you to know how the girls on the Lansing team felt about playing against their friend that morning. Many of the girls immediately became quiet, which is quite unusual for teenage girls. The looks on their faces went from smiles to some almost in tears. The starting pitcher seemed to show the most stress, so much that she couldn't get control of her pitches. When I approached the player to make sure she was alright she immediately burst into tears. Another player that is a top notch hitter struck out four times throughout the game. I am quite sure that the situation was just as stressful for Kaycee, but let's take a moment to reflect on how the other girls felt. In response to the allegation that, " Kaycee was subject to numerous catcalls and insults from the Lansing team members. "" I find this statement to be absolutely false. It is not my, nor Mr. Randall's coaching style to allow our athletes to subject anyone, whether it be player, coach, or umpire to insults or catcalls. I find that behavior appalling and unacceptable. Had this happened, I can assure you that appropriate actions would have been taken. I would however like you to know that Kaycee had an outstanding game that morning. I distinctly remember Lansing girls clapping and cheering for her and not against her. That kind of behavior I do find laudable. As for the accusation that on the Saturday of the tournament I, along with parents and players sat right behind the Southern Cayuga and Trumansburg game, and "Cheered loudly for the opposing team" is a little misleading. We did sit on the bleachers that were located between Christopher field and the field that is directly above it. This is because there was no other place for our team to sit. As far as cheering loudly for the opposing team is should be noted that were watching not only Southern Cayuga/Trumansburg game, but the Ithaca/Dryden game as well. We were cheering for good plays on both fields. I can understand how that could be misconstrued as cheering against Southern Cayuga, but as I said earlier, that I not something Mr. Randall or I would allow from our players. I think it is important for you to know that I see Mr. Randall and myself as very approachable people. The only attempt made to discuss the tournament situation was between Mr. Nedrow and Mr. Randall that Saturday. I feel that is this matter had been discussed prior to the tournament the situation could have been taken care of without wasting the time of the board members. I must also take a moment to comment on the fact that Mrs. Overstrom publicly commented on the situation. I find it interesting that she immediately took sides without researching whether or not there was more to the story. How is it that Mr. Randall and I never got to express our side of the events that occurred on the days mentioned? I feel it was because Mrs. Overstrom assumed that what she was told was the only story there was. Again I would like to add that Mr. Randall and I are very approachable people, and would have been more than willing to share our side of the story. It is not my intention to belittle. Mrs. Overstrom but I feel I need to express my thoughts on the events that have taken place. Finally, I would like to say how very sorry I am that a situation that could have been taken care of with a simple conversation got way out of hand. I am sorry that the Lansing Town Board members must sit through another meeting, as I am sure they have more pressing matters to deal with. I would like to thank Mrs. Greenly for taking the time to listen and hear both sides of the story. I sincerely hope that whatever outcome may take place is what is in the best interest of all the children. Thank you for your time and concern. Sincerely, Sheila M. Bowman