I want to issue a sincere apology to Fairmont State University, assistant football coach Gary Lanham, the FSU administration and the Board of Governors for an incident that occurred after the Oct. 31 game against Concord.
My actions as a parent concerned about his son’s playing time led to irresponsible conduct on my part.
It was a frustrating day, and it had been a frustrating season. As a father it bothered me that my son had only gotten in for three plays. I was frustrated for him.
Coach Lanham elected to start all the seniors. Josh and I fully understood the reason for the coach’s decision. In fact, the player that started in Josh’s position at right guard has been a starter for most of his career at several different positions on the offensive line. He’s a fine young man and has had a solid career.
Following the game, the team gathered near the center of the field for head coach Mike Lopez’s post-game remarks. As usual, parents, family and friends gathered around the perimeter of the huddle to wait for their dismissal.
While I was looking for Josh, I saw Coach Lanham standing away from the crowd of people near the visitor’s sideline.
Since Josh had been a starter for two years and had played far less than either of us expected, I wondered whether anything, other than preference for senior players on Senior Day, had caused the significant reduction in Josh’s playing time. Although I had never had reason to discuss playing time with a coach before this, it did not seem inappropriate.
Moreover, I had known Coach Lanham for several years and felt comfortable with asking him for an explanation. Things didn’t go quite as expected. When I engaged Coach Lanham, I did so as a father and my emotions got out of control, resulting in a shouting match that I take complete blame for.
The entire incident lasted less than two minutes. A police officer on the field at the time and my son broke up the discussion. The officer later filed a written report of the incident, but no official complaint was filed, nor did the police interview me about the matter.
I regret that this incident escalated in the manner that it did. I am sincerely sorry if I offended Coach Lanham. He has been my son’s coach for two years and I have the utmost respect for him.
In addition, I wasn’t prepared for this incident to be seen as me acting as the chairman of the Board of Governors. I attended the game as Josh’s father. I was there to cheer on Josh and the Fighting Falcons football team. I approached Coach Lanham as an inquisitive parent.
But I should have known that I cannot separate my position at FSU or my role in the community as publisher of this newspaper from parental concern in a situation such as this, especially when my emotions got the best of my behavior.
I have learned a lesson that I should have known beforehand. I regret any embarrassment or discomfort that I have caused FSU, my newspaper and my family — especially my son Josh.
Local News
Kniceley issues an apology
- Local News
-
-
Pepperoni roll prize
To someone from out of state, the pepperoni roll might seem like a mystery.
“Is it like a calzone?” they might ask, “or a stromboli?”
Unique to the state of West Virginia, the pepperoni roll represents the Italian heritage of many of the miners in the early 20th century mixed with hardworking Mountaineer common sense. -
BOE seeks land for new middle schools
The Marion County Board of Education is looking at land to build new middle schools in Mannington and Monongah.
If all goes as planned, county voters will see a bond on the November ballot. -
Former WVU coach takes final journey home
Bill Stewart has made his way back home.
The former West Virginia University football coach, who died suddenly earlier this week of a heart attack at 59, was laid to rest Friday in his hometown of New Martinsville. -
Bickerstaff ready to make mark as Woman’s Club president
One look at a facility can show Nancy Bickerstaff a lot.
Attention to detail has always been her strong point, and when she first walked into the Woman’s Club mansion more than four years ago, she immediately knew what the priorities should be. -
Funeral today for former WVU football coach Bill Stewart
Former West Virginia University football coach Bill Stewart is heading home to New Martinsville for the last time.
-
Tears and memories: VIDEO
It was mid-Thursday afternoon at the Morgantown Event Center and the crowd stood mostly silently in line that wound out of the Events Hall and into the hallway toward the staircase.
A young lady was there holding a singular golden rose
“I wish,” Rebecca Durst said, “it could be gold and blue.” -
‘Dangerous fugitive’ is apprehended
Two more targets of “Operation Blue Haze” were apprehended by U.S. Marshals and local police Thursday.
Bryan Keith Egress, 28, described by United States Marshals as a “dangerous fugitive,” was arrested around midnight Thursday at 1410 Miller St., Fairmont, the residence of his girlfriend. -
Excitement marks Three Rivers Festival
It was 5:55 p.m. Thursday on Merchant Street. Kids ran up and down the sidewalks, as their older siblings strolled along the side of the street. Waiting.
There was a certain energy in the air. An expectation. -
Spring paving under way
Some folks in the Friendly City are seeing a fresh coat of asphalt go down on the street in front of their homes.
City Manager Jay Rogers said Fairmont’s spring paving project will resurface two blocks of Gaston, Virginia and Minor avenues, as well as Moore Place from 12th Street to 14th Street. -
Fairmont Catholic’s Arts Festival popular event
Students at Fairmont Catholic were not lined up in their respective rows or seats on Thursday morning.
Some were dancing in a classroom, attempting to follow the lead of Shawna Gerau-Santee, owner of the Fifth Street Dance Co. - More Local News Headlines
-
