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."
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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