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Parents Outraged About Female Wrestling Coach
No One Stepped Up To Take Position

September 5, 2002 NewsNet5

AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron teacher signed up for a position as the school's wrestling coach, but she's gotten more than she ever bargained for, according to NewsChannel5.

Parents at Hyre Middle School are fighting mad that a female is coaching a wrestling team.

Some have threatened to pull their children from the team. The school principal said they couldn't find a replacement after the previous coach left.

School leaders said parents have nothing to worry about since the coach will only oversee the team without actually training students.

Robin Crawford, a parent, said it's not appropriate having a female teacher in positions on a mat with young boys.

"I don't want my son in those kinds of positions on a mat with a woman," Crawford said. "Boys have enough to deal with their hormones. They don't need to have it in front of them."

Some parents, however, are OK with having a female wrestling coach.

"This is just middle school," said Tracy Kassinger, another parent. "But I think things will be just fine she'll do a great job."

Bryant Leon, a wrestler, isn't really sure how certain situations will be dealt with yet.

"Say we're undressing and she walked in, I don't think anyone would feel comfortable with that," Leon said.

The coach was not available for comment.