FROM WTOL: Video attached:
From Northeastern Local Schools:
FROM WTOL NEWS RELEASE:
Author: WTOL Newsroom
Published: 11:06 PM EDT October 5, 2022
Updated: 11:06 PM EDT October 5, 2022
DEFIANCE, Ohio — Tinora High School head football coach Kenneth Krouse’s resignation is immediate Wednesday night and a “school-based investigation” into concerns of possible hazing within the football program has concluded.
“Appropriate athletic discipline has been imposed by the Board of Education,” the Northeastern Local School Board of Education said in a statement released Wednesday night.
The board also said it is “not aware of any ongoing criminal investigations or charges related to this matter” but “serious concerns have been addressed by District administration.”
WTOL 11 reached out to the Defiance County Sheriff’s office to ask if there is also a criminal investigation into Krouse, but as of this writing, have not heard back.
Krouse was placed on paid administrative leave last Wednesday while the football program was under investigation. Jeff Schliesser was announced to serve as interim head coach for the Rams until further notice.
In the statement, the board said it is concerned with falsehoods and misunderstandings and that “understandable and significant community interest has unfortunately led to many false rumors.”
Northeastern Local Schools superintendent Nicole Wells addressed a rumor that Tinora’s athletic director had been fired.
“The comment about our athletic director Craig Rutter is completely false,” said to WTOL 11 last week.
In the statement, the board also said “the district is working to make Tinora a stronger community.”
“Students involved in this matter have proposed specific restorative steps to improve football team culture. It has been stated time and time again that Tinora is a great place to call home and anyone would help each other through times of crisis. And that is what this community is doing. The response from the community about wanting to help is overwhelming.
The Board has acted and is supportive of the actions of our administrative team. To protect student privacy we will not comment further on this matter.“
Krouse coached the Rams to back-to-back state final four appearances in 2014 and 2015. The 2014 Rams went 13-1 and were ranked 4th in Ohio in Division Six. In 2015, the Rams returned to the final four but fell to defending state champs Marion Local.
Tinora’s game last Friday night against Ayersville was played. Ayersville won 22-6. Tinora’s game this Friday night against Paulding will also still be played.
From the Crescent-News
By Alyssa Barajas abarajas@crescent-news.com
Oct 6, 2022
https://www.crescent-news.com/news/local_education/tinora-football-coach-resigns-administration-releases-statement/article_614087ce-4515-11ed-aa79-b7ceca28e557.html?utm_campaign=blox&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social
Northeastern Local Schools Board of Education held a special board meeting Wednesday evening and accepted the resignation of head football coach Kenny Krouse amid a controversy about hazing allegations.
The meeting immediately went into executive session and public visitors were notified by paraprofessionals that the session was expected to end around 8 p.m. Media and public were asked to wait outside.
At 9 p.m., the board exited executive session and passed a motion to accept Krouse’s resignation effective Wednesday. This came after allegations of hazing among football players.
While there were over 30 visitors sitting in on the meeting proceedings, a few public speakers were able to address the board.
These speakers submitted requests 24 hours in advance to the meeting and were given three minutes to voice their comments.
The first speaker acknowledged the board’s decision to accept the resignation and stated he was happy for it and called it a step in the right direction.
The second speaker voiced concerns for the children who were allegedly harassed and asked the board for its plan of action moving forward.
Board President Shaun Mack responded, “We certainly share the same concerns on what’s been happening and we would like to make a statement later tonight. There is still some deliberation to finalize, but we wanted to give an opportunity to the public to speak before we make our final decisions.”
The last speaker opened up with his confidence in the current administration and the leadership of Tinora. He expressed his wish for positive changes in the school district and the football program specifically.
“As a father, I know that I am protective of my children and if they were receiving any type of culture that has been present on the football team, it would be extremely upsetting,” he said.
“For that reason I am glad that we are here tonight, present, together, with the opportunity to begin the process of healing and changing this football program.”
The board then adjourned into executive session once more to discuss the discipline of individuals.
After exiting the second session, the board modified the athletic discipline for students A, B, C and D and were given permission to continue participation on the Tinora High School football team effective Saturday on condition that the students continue meaningful and continuous progress on a plan to improve football team culture.”
After this passed motion, the board released its public statement which reads:
“Student safety is always our highest priority. Recently, concerns of possible hazing within the high school football program were brought to the attention of district administration and a school-based investigation began immediately. During this investigation Northeastern Local Schools has been fully cooperative with local agencies and law enforcement. The district’s investigation has concluded and appropriate athletic discipline has been imposed by the board of education.
“We are concerned with falsehoods and misunderstandings that are circulating regarding this matter. Understandable and significant community interest has, unfortunately, led to many false rumors. In reality, this can ruin peoples’ lives, and we challenge everyone to do better. We are appalled at what some people have spread on social media. Many of these comments could be devastating to our youth. To be clear, while serious concerns have been addressed by district administration, we are not aware of any ongoing criminal investigations or charges related to this matter.
“The district is working to make Tinora a stronger community. Students involved in this matter have proposed specific restorative steps to improve football team culture. It has been stated time and time again that Tinora is a great place to call home and anyone would help each other through times of crisis. And that is what this community is doing. The response from the community about wanting to help is overwhelming.
“The board has acted and is supportive of the actions of our administrative team. To protect student privacy we will not comment further on this matter.
