"The schools want it that way. Location: Bellevue . Three players robbed a Jack in the Box, two star players robbed a video exchange at gunpoint and walked away with $256 and robbed a mexican restaurant taking $11,000. In 2003 Thiel wrote the definitive book about the Seattle Mariners, Out of Left Field, which became a regional bestseller. We asked our fans to vote for the 3A Players of the Year for Texas HS Football Podcast: Championship Series. He played for the New York Giants and Washington Redskins and was a five time Pro Bowl selection. "Goncharoff, the booster club at Bellevue, and many people objected said 'No, this is all inaccurate. "The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), which is the administrative body that governs prep sports hired two investigators who produced a 68-page report that confirmed much of what the Times discovered as well as other things. It was so one-sided and evident that something was different about this team in comparison to the other nine teams Liberty played against., For every year they won the state championship, that should be the number of years they are not qualified to compete in theplayoffs. BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Bellevue High School football coach Butch Goncharoff told the school board Tuesday that an investigation of the football . KIRO Radios Jason Rantz thinks they are just doing their job. These are the kinds of challenges we look for., Then, this past Friday, the Wolverines made the long drive up to Lake Stevens High School, home of the preseason 4A #1 Vikings. In all, six players were connected with 21 robberies that occurred in Carter neighborhoods. Bellevue Superintendent Tim Mills says the district will appeal. Senior running back William Wang rushed for 243 yards and two touchdowns to lead Bellevue to a 3A state championship win over Kennewick on Saturday afternoon at Sparks Stadium. Freemans parents, Yusef and Allona, wrote in a letter this week to the school district that their son lived in the Bellevue attendance area. David R. Evans The Times found at least three instances in which families of players attending the school were either given financial assistance by the team's boosters or didn't pay for the tuition themselves, a violation of state athletic rules. Editors note: The following is an excerpt from the Seattle Times article of Aug. 23 detailing alleged improper practices within the Bellevue High football program: Bellevue High School has established itself as one of the premier prep football programs in the nation with 11 state titles in the past 15 years. Any booster associated with this mess be banned from any financial or booster club membership for two years. The Seattle [] Kirsten is also a sports lover. PF 497 PA 185 STREAK 1L. Bellevue football decimated the available pool of players for both Sammamish and Interlake for years to the point of Sammamish forfeiting games at the varsity level in 2015. It's a guaranteed story that will be told for generations, with a record that will be likely painted up on a water tower or on a city's welcome sign. Saint Mary's guard Logan Johnson knows both sides of the Zags-Gaels rivalry, 35-year-old loved his dog, the outdoors and his mother who is accused of killing him, Accused killer returns to Spokane to face murder charge in 40-year-old South Hill cold case. "They said four years of probation for the entire athletic department, a four-year ban for football on postseason play, and also non-conference play, as well as inviting any out-of-state opponents to play Bellevue High School. The second half saw more of the same stingy Wolverine defense, and scores being added by another long Daniels run, and a 30-yard TD connection from Razore to junior TE, Hogan Hansen. Here is a selection of the responses we received: Bellevue High Schools titles need to be removed. Rescind the championship titles, and ban the team from any post-season playoffs for five years. We will continue to defend our right, and the right of booster clubs around the state, to make these activities available to kids.. Supporters of the Bellevue football program have shared the letter on social media. Next week, both teams face a tough and up-and-coming Lake Washington team Varsity on Friday at LW (7pm), JV on Monday at home (7pm). Amazing game and ending for Bellevue Wolverines, He's not going quietly. Goncharoff released a statement after KingCos sanctions were handed down. Final score: 20-14, bringing the JV to 1-1. An investigation released Tuesday revealed significant and long-standing violations by the Bellevue High School football program. A committee of athletic directors from KingCo cited in its report a preponderance of evidence that violations had occurred. In 2009, along with Steve Rudman and KJR 950 afternoon host Mike Gastineau, Thiel authored The Great Book of Seattle Sports Lists, a cross between historylink.org and Mad Magazine that has become mandatory reading for any sports fan who has an indoor bathroom. Brady rolled through the playoffs that year up until the state game beating Belton (66-8), Taylor (30-8), Jasper (24-0) and Palacios (22-0). New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory, Back on top: Bellevue beats Kennewick to win 3A state title behind William Wangs 243 yards, Bellevue runs over Marysville-Pilchuck to return to state football championship game, William Wangs career night lifts No. The Academic Institute has a monthly tuition of $1,750. In its report to KingCo, the Bellevue School District acknowledged several violations of rules while disputing other aspects of the independent investigation. There are absolutely no facts to support KingCos conclusion they have foolishly relied on the false inferences of the WIAAs original report, Goncharoffs statement said. Agreed with Bellevues conclusions that athletes used false addresses to gain eligibility, and that payments were made to coaches without approval from the school district. 1 talking about this. An independent investigation found a series of potential violations on the Bellevue High School football program. This begins the discussion of the penalty phase of the violations, and there are several steps working through that process, said Mike Colbrese, WIAA executive director. 9 Rainier Beach into WIAA 3A state semifinals, William Wangs career night lifts No. And oh, by the way, how is it fair that a public school has limits on the geographic locations of its players homes,but private schools players can live anywhere? "The report then went to a panel of KingCo Conference athletic directors. That probe confirmed some of the problems that The Times found and also detailed other issues, including families that had used false addresses to gain eligibility, a school district that had obstructed the investigation and evidence that Goncharoff had been paid beyond the bounds of WIAA rules. Following the string of robberies, six players were sentenced to prison with terms ranging from two to 25 years. The community was stunned. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. The players spent 75 days in the districts alternative school after the incident. Have no fear, Bellevue Faithful, the East Channel Bridge rivalry is very much alive. The train wreck at Bellevue may be symbolic of much that is wrong with high school and college athletics and the creation of the entitled teenager and the grotesque flow of money into amateur sports. I found this story on USA TODAY High School Sports and wanted to share it with you: The western-themed student section brought the energy all night, and the Wolverines did not disappoint. I think the idea behind high school sports is pretty genuine if you get together and you play sports with the kids you grew up with.. Their punishment is that they will never be remembered well. 56-0 win over Juanita! Unphased by the change, the boys loaded up the busses on Saturday evening, and headed north to Juanita High School in Kirkland. How did the adults never ask how it was that their kid was taking classes in a $1,750 per month school, yet they never got a tuition bill? The final report did not mention the Academic Institute. BHS cheated its own eligible students of playing. On Thursday, the Bellevue High School self-imposed sanctions on its football program and head coach for violations of WIAA rules. Coach Kneip said, after the game, What an awesome night to celebrate a group of guys who have given so much to this program! It starts with having no sports-specific booster clubs and school administrators having the courage and will to take responsibility for sustaining integrity rather than empty victories. Found a preponderance of evidence that Bellevue boosters paid the tuition of athletes at The Academic Institute. Bellevue High School has established itself as one of the premier prep football programs in the nation with 11 state titles in the past 15 years. Bellevue can appeal for that sanction to be reduced one year early. Tacoma WA 98418. It should be a Homecoming to remember! 1 Bellevue past No. And the district has cut ties with longtime assistant coach Pat Jones. Top-ranked 3A Wolverines get all they want for three-plus quarters, but Wing-T (342 rushing yards) generates big fourth-quarter scoring plays to pull away. Teen football player tackles suspected shoplifter, Ross: The latest attempt to undo a national embarrassment, Ross: Changing the climate of mental health is a bill away, Ross: A national divorce isnt the solution, but some people should move, Ross: If the American system rewards hard work, cancel student loan debt, Ross: Fentanyl-smoking passengers on light rail present huge danger, Ross: Two less crooks to worry about in downtown Seattle. Accepted a Bellevue resolution that it will not renew contracts for two years of coaches who violated the WIAA rule that stipends and gifts of more than $500 must be approved by the school board. Coach Salonen said, We feel incredibly lucky to have the numbers to support a JV program this year, we love seeing the additional reps these players are getting, and the improvement that comes with those reps.. A video of two football players from John Jay High School in San Antonio went viral in September of 2015 after they blindsided a referee near the end of a game versus Marble Falls. In the end, nine football players at the school admitted to using over the counter steroid-like substances and prescription steroids. NEWSLINE 425-453-4270. This isnt a player finding $100 cash in his locker. Back to work tomorrow!. In 1959, Stamford defeated Brady 19-14 in the state championship. It's false. 5 seeded Wolverines (8-2) walloped No. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory More of the money went to pay for school; the kind with no real academics. This was wealth gone greedy., Bellevue football report put asterisk on winning record. On the shoulders of some hard running by junior Carson Rubin and sophomore Ryken Moon, a long reception by senior Ishaan Daniels, and a heaping helping of stingy defense, Bellevue took a 47-7 lead to the locker room at half time. The parents confirmed in their letter that they received financial support, but said they properly requested aid from the school. Which spelled out who could live in certain neighborhoods. Bellevue High School Football; Bellevue Football. Rather than worry about imposing sanctions, it is more important that the Bellevue School District starts to do the right thing, going forward, meaning itneeds to replace the coaching staff, probably shun the booster club, and start exercising control by hiring a head coach who is also a teacher within the educational system., What sanctions are appropriate for people in positions of authority supposed role models for kids when they actively participate in or turn a blind eye to corruption and then do everything in their power to impede legitimate investigations? Coach Kneip said after the victory, Amazing atmosphere tonight!! 1 Bellevue back into 3A state semifinals: 4 observations The team won 11 state championships in 15 years, including a 67-game winning streak. Bellevue is a public school district. BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Bellevue School District officials and booster club members are fighting back against a blistering report that alleged recruitment violations within the Bellevue High. Because of the legal challenge, Carter was allowed to go forward in the playoffs and they went on to a state title after defeating Converse Judson in the title game 31-14. November 4, 2022. Students at a private school without a football team can play for a public-school team in their home district. But Notre Dame-bound RB Jayden Limar led a second half comeback, eventually closing the game out 37-28. Here is a selection of the. In the second half, Bellevue let their young guns get a taste of the MI rivalry under the big lights, and played out the remainder of the game under a running clock. The Wolverines will look to build on their learning from week 1 and 2 as they start KingCo 3A conference play against Liberty High School this Friday. The events took place under the watch of school district officials who conceded that discounted tuition for athletes would constitute a violation of state athletic rules, a district document shows. At a Tuesday news conference, Bellevue Superintendent Tim Mills said the report contains information that requires immediate action, but the district has not saidwhat that action will be. But many of those accomplishments are in jeopardy, because of a scandal that has now reached the punishment stage. At the crux of the scandal is a well to-do family that made their money in the trash/waste management industry. 5. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory According to the findings, 17 players were funneled to a for-profit private school for extra classes and academic help. Sports news, analysis, opinions, and rumors. The schools don't want to arm the WIAA with investigatory powers. KingCo will have stricter guidelines and oversight for incoming transfer student-athletes for two years. At least 17 Bellevue football players attended the program over the past seven years, the Seattle Times has learned. Bellevue Independent Schools announced it has canceled the rest of its high school's football season due to multiple injuries on the team. The Bellevue High School football cheating scandal is American Greed at it worst! With the pregame pageantry and TV interviews done, the Wolverines got to work making the Big Game a big blowout. The second half would be spent in running clock, ending in a final of 54-13. The Wolverines will face Snohomish High School, at home this Friday, in the Week 10 Crossover round. In the second half, the Highlanders were haunted by a flurry of big plays on special teams and defense, by the Wolverines. Brick by brick!. The evidence shows that the practices KingCo now is penalizing including summer sports camps for kids and paying coaches for extra work outside of the season were approved by Bellevue School District and are shared by many, many area schools, the statement said. Bellevue High's football squad completed an undefeated season by winning the 3A state championship with a 17-13 triumph over Kennewick High on Dec. 4 at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. This is a public high school and a strong message needs to be sent that this type of practice cannot be tolerated. Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Darien Freeman had said he lived in that city during his 2009-10 freshman season. It was a reminder of the Wolverines glorious past that got them fired up this week thanks to comments from Marysville-Pilchuck star running back Dylan Carson that fueled them for Saturdays matchup. But what happens when bending the rules or covering for players becomes a real life story; the infractions are so extensive and the storylines so indelicate that no TV producer would even believe it. Fire and fine all involved. Goncharoff has argued that the decision to fire him was based on improperly applied policies. They don't have subpoena power because this is a trade association. He can also be found on twitter @tonybruin, Unrecognizable U.S. Mens National Team Defeats Costa Rica, NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers win Game 3 Convincingly over Golden State Warriors. Stamford had little trouble in the playoffs with wins over Quanah (43-13), Cisco (32-22), Denver City (14-0) and Olney (15-7). They were outlandishly gravy training on their 17 or 18 year old kids football ability. There are a lot of reasons why he thinks the rules were wrongly interpreted by the investigators. No, its not something we want to teach our kids as the right thing to do, he said. A high school state football championship in Texas is arguably about more than just temporary bragging rights. As crime increases, our safety measures must too, GSBA is closing the disparity gap with Ready for Business Fund. Like many expectant mothers, Miranda Kekauoha had a plan. Part of Darien Freemans account, however, is corroborated by documents reviewed by the Seattle Times. Updated: 7:13 PM PDT July 8, 2016. We love to see the kids have fun and play ball. If you would like to share your thoughts or experiences in relation to this story, please email the reporter or. KingCo reviewed sanctions that Bellevue had proposed for itself in the wake of a 68-page independent report that found wide-ranging rules violations within the program. "He's still a vital part of the picture. Bellevue is not allowed to play out-of-state opponents for four seasons. During one of the meetings with the Times, Freeman said he no longer had a relationship with his father. Then, on Monday, the JV took the field north of the lake, against the Bothell Cougars. 9-0 on the season, BACK ON TRACK! Touchdowns by Daniels, Hansen, Rubin, Moon, Smith, and Matsudaira. Mind you, this is not the kind of booster club that has bake sales to pay for road trips. All told, a 42-0 first half lead. 2023 Bonneville International. Strip them of their titles going back to 2001. Lake Washington Windows and Doors is a local window dealer offering the exclusive Leak Armor installation. SEATTLE An independent investigation into the Bellevue High football team uncovered "significant and long-standing violations" of state sports rules and extensive evidence that the team's. If that wasnt enough, the main boosters involved are discussing suing the conference over the penalties and coach Goncharoff says he has been set up. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory OVERALL 9-3 0.75 Win % DISTRICT 6-0 1st3A KingCo. In its findings released a few hours earlier, the KingCo committee: Found a preponderance of evidence that Bellevue illegally recruited athletes to the school and coordinated payments for athletes, and that Bellevue failed to self-report money provided to players families. Goncharoff got a slap on the wrist, just a two-game suspension for providing cash to a player when he should have been suspended for the season and the school banned from post season play. He is now on administrative leave while this is adjudicated.". "I would say the rules are loose. Luke Scoma wins it for Bellevue with his 43-yard field goal in Wolverines' 22-20 win over Lincoln of Tacoma in Class 3A quarterfinals. To do whats best for your kid, he said. "This is the most successful athletic program in state history and it's being torn down. The second quarter was the Carson Rubin Show, as he added 10- and 35-yard TD runs, and even a two-point conversion, helping the Wolverines take a 26-6 lead to the locker room. Sophomore Ryken Moon took the opening kickoff back for a TD, junior Colin Miller had an interception, junior Luke Soma added a field goal, and junior Cal Zimmerman had his own pick-6. Despite the short week, the Wolverines came out fast against a spirited Islander squad, thanks to TDs from Ishaan Daniels, Carson Rubin, and Kaden Matsudaira, culminating in a 35-0 halftime lead. Dubbed The Fab Five, McKinney North High Schools Fab Five became the focus of a made for TV movie when photos of the cheerleaders drinking, scantily clad and engaging in risque behavior landed them in hot water with the cheer sponsor. Bellevue will be on bye this week, ahead of a Week 9 home game against Hazen to finish off the regular season. The Bellevue High football team is reportedly aided by a diploma mill private school. Bellevue High School has the most successful football program in state history winning 11 titles in the last 15 years. Five days after bringing home the state title, a string of events began that would blemish the reputation of the Dallas Carter program. JV Head Coach Danny Salonen was upbeat after the game, we never like to lose games like this, there are plenty of fundamentals on both sides of the ball that need cleaning up, but I cant imagine a better opportunity for our young guys and newer players to play a ton of football. Bellevue High School Football Share this Team > Regular Season . And then there is the claim within the report that some of the misdeeds were not so secretive; they were just direct cash payments to families to get players to Bellevue. Armstead is also in the New York Giants Ring of Honor. It was a back and forth affair from the beginning that saw the Wolverines take a 21-17 lead into the locker room at halftime. Bellevue wraps up undefeated season with 3A state title. The state high school governing body, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), is looking into whether state titles need to be stripped and further sanctions imposed. The defense continued their stifling business, while the offense added a 27-yard Lucas Razore-to-Hogan Hansen TD, and a 39-yard Daniels TD run, leading to a comfortable first quarter lead. One son married a runner-up from The Bachelor TV show and became an assistant football coach at Bellevue. Freeman met with a reporter on two separate occasions at a SeaTac restaurant. I correct you Sir they are in your charge as Student Athletes at Bellevue High School taking a physical education class, thereby bound by all the rules and regulations attendant to participating in any WIAA competitive sport which includes providing financial aid. We love the playoffs, Coach Kneip said postgame, this is the best time of the year, and were ready to get after it!. This isnt just about high school sports. Bellevue (Wash.) School District officials are planning to fire the head coach of the Bellevue High School football team, according to a letter sent to the coach by a top district official and . Per a statement, athletic director Jim Hicks said. Often it would be well past dark by the time he returned home. 5 Marysville-Pilchuck on Saturday in the early game of the Class 3A semifinal doubleheader at Memorial Stadium. After starting the season in Sports Illustrateds SB Live Top 25, the Wolverines found themselves on the wrong end of two tightly contested losses to start their 2022 campaign. Get the days top sports headlines and breaking news delivered to your inbox by subscribing here. The investigators report and your editorial finally nailed it.. Earlier this year, one family complained that an assistant coach threatened to revoke their sons financial aid at Academic Institute if the student didnt continue playing football at Bellevue. The Colleyville Heritage Steroid . Edwards was sentenced to 16 years and never played another down of football. Bellevue H.S. Mercer Island Football Booster Club President, 1988-89. Carter High . Department of Commerce officials say communities will need diverse housing options in the future as well. But, we would be lying if we said that there wasnt at least a benefit to these kids.. We asked readers for their thoughts on what repercussions the Bellevue football program should face, as well as what the scandal says about high-school sports. A judge has sentenced 10 current and former high school athletes to prison terms of up to 25 years for their roles in numerous armed robberies in the Dallas area over the past year. Bellevue High is an extremely successful football program. Finally, in the fourth quarter, Kaden Matsudaira was featured in a long drive, culminating in a 3-yard TD run to put an exclamation point on the game. Top-ranked Bellevue defeated Marysville Pilchuck, 27-3, in the 3A state football semifinals on Nov. 27 at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. This booster club raised more than $427,000 in 2013 according to the Seattle Times investigation. This type of illegal and unethical activity runs through sports programs at all levels. Freeman said he may have misunderstood the conversation about rent and that it was possible Goncharoff had only worked to help the family find a place to rent in Bellevue. Final score: Wolverines 53, Panthers 12. "They also discovered compensation to the head coach, Butch Goncharoff, of $60,000 a year that was well in excess of what the standards are for high school coaches.". Junior Carson Rubin was the first to take the spotlight two long runs and two TDs got BHS on the board in Q1. Jessie Armstead, played for Miami and was the 207th pick in the 8th round of the 1993 NFL draft. Head coach Butch Goncharoff has been fired. Weve seen a couple of surveys about Seattles happiness rating, one shows us near the top for happiness, and one has us closer to the bottom. Due to state-wide ref shortages, the Wolverines trip to the jungle at Mercer Island High School was moved from Friday night to Thursday. He is a member of the Football Writers Association of America, and is a voting panelist for the Outland Trophy, the Nagurski Award, and the Biletnikoff Award. Yesterday Kendall Alston, age 31, was sentenced in federal court to five years for selling fentanyl pills in downtown Seattle. While the Institute touts its focus on education at a full-time cost of $1,750 per month two former teachers label Academic Institute a diploma mill that doesnt adhere to basic educational standards. Final score: 48-14, Bellevue. Medicare open enrollment is here and SHIBA can help! (Image courtesy Bellevue Wolverines Facebook) The KingCo Conference report, released earlier this week, said that while players were illegally recruited to play for Bellevue, some used false addresses to be eligible within Bellevues residential district. On November 10, the UIL shocked Dallas Carter and the entire state when they announced the Cowboys were ineligible for the playoffs. Now we need to do it again! Michael Kneip coaches his alma mater and is bent on restoring its football greatness. But KingCo officials saw Bellevues problems as requiring more severe sanctions. I think that theres a lot of different layers to understanding exactly what is going on., Related: Teen football player tackles suspected shoplifter. After two rigorous non-conference games, Bellevue kicked off KingCo 3A conference play this past Friday night against Liberty High School of Renton. BELLEVUE, Wash. -- While the Bellevue High football scandal gets sorted out, a forgotten casualty are the players who will experience the looming sanctions and coaching shake-up firsthand.Players . Bellevue school officials have previously told Bellevue head coach Butch Goncharoff that the district will seek to terminate him for violations of district policies. Hogwash! The uproar began and a legal battle quickly ensued. These efforts were and are fully within the rules., The boosters vowed to continue to fight. Of the 24-23 loss, Coach Kneip said, Theyre a really, really well-coached, high quality program. Editors note: After the original Seattle Times article of Aug. 23 the newspaper followed up with another article in which the parents of Darien Freeman disputed portions of the first article that were attributed to their son. Jones has filed an unfair-labor-practices complaint with the Public Employment Relations Commission. With their sights set on a state championship run, the Cowboys began preparing for the playoffs. Thiel said Goncharoff has been quite vocal about his innocence. Come celebrate Anacortes 11th annual Bier on the Pier! Art Thiel is a co-founder and writer for the rising sports website Sportspress Northwest. The Wolverines found paydirt early and often, ending the first quarter with a 280 lead, eventually taking a 35-0 lead to half. Bellevue High's football squad completed an undefeated season by winning the 3A state championship with a 17-13 triumph over Kennewick High on Dec. 4 at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. Last year, after a Seattle Times story detailed how numerous Bellevue players had taken classes at The Academic Institute, a private alternative school that former teachers described as a diploma mill, the school district called for an independent investigation. If youre a Pac-12 talent, you are going to jump off the page at recruiters, he said. Usain Bolt defeats Justin Gatlin, defends 100-meter title. "And if you can wiggle around with all of these variances in the rules, then they've got a real problem.". Staff reporter Mike Baker contributed to this report. Now lets see a similar investigation into sports programs at every private high school in the state to determine just how many of their players parents are paying full tuition. We hear stories about competing schools. The scandal rocked the affluent community and brought awareness to steroid use by teens. Instead, athletes became eligible to play for the football powerhouse by traveling to a Bellevue office park for classes at an obscure, 40-student private school: The Academic Institute, Inc. "It's not just Bellevue. Of those 17 boys, seven were Bellevue football players. Great highlight video To deny them the ability to compete with their peers is wrong and goes against every principle of youth sports.. Or, at the very least, put on administrative leave along with the schools athletic director until a thorough investigation is has been completed into the financial records (who paid what) and academic record of Academic Institute Inc., in Bellevue.