Disclaimer: The writer of this particular story has a personal connection to the BHS girls basketball program.
The Story
BHS girls basketball head coach Sue Thomas was relieved from her position exactly one week ago. Athletic Director, Corey Parker, Thomas, and interim head coach Kevin Gibbs have declined to speak on the matter. So, we sat down with both past and present players to get their side of the story.
What’s happened already?
This story hit The Union Leader on Wednesday, national news on Friday, and has been all over Twitter and Facebook. The two articles focused heavily on Thomas’ side of the story, and social media has favored her as well, calling players spoiled and unable to handle tough coaching. And yes, they probably are spoiled (hello, Bedford), but the majority of the varsity players have played year-round basketball for years, under many different coaches. So is it really fair to blindly think and tweet that there was no actual reason behind these events?
Tell me more, tell me more
Thomas was supposedly fired for creating a negative environment for the girls that went through the program. She has been the varsity coach at the high school for the past eight years, brought the team to the championships four times, and won once.
So players must love her…
Yeahhh not so much. There is a history of girls disliking Thomas and going to the athletic director about her coaching. Players have always been vocal to each other, their parents, and younger players about their negative feelings toward Thomas. Three players we talked to had heard bad things about Thomas going into their freshman year. Despite that, all three players came into the program wanting to enjoy their high school career.
So why now?
The investigation was sparked by things Thomas said at a Saturday practice on 12/22, the day after the team’s loss to BG. If you don’t remember that game, we’re not going to put in any more details. Way too embarrassing. But at the practice, according to the two current players we talked to, Thomas yelled at the two captains (in front of the team) for their lack of leadership. The two players felt that she was blaming the BG loss on the starters, and especially on the captains, for not bringing the team together.
That was it?
Yes, that’s how it started. But this was after many similar incidents, girls going home crying, being scared to make a mistake in practice, being scared to go to practice, etc. That Saturday practice seemed to be the last straw.
But were the captains slacking?
From what we’ve heard, it’s not the most accurate assessment. The captains had organized team dinners and a secret santa for team, and it was still the beginning of the season. Because, no bond can be broken after macaroni and cheese at Panera. The two players said that Coach Thomas had not provided guidelines to the captains about her expectations of them or what they should be doing.
Then what?
The two captains went home upset, as one might be in that situation. If only they had done one more Panera outing. Their parents immediately wanted to talk to the AD, and wrote a very simple email to Parker asking for a meeting between them, him, and Thomas.
Wait a second…
Yep. Both Thomas and parents asked for a meeting with each other and Parker. For whatever reason, Parker did not allow it. He cut Thomas out of the discussion in the beginning, severing the team’s ties with her right then and there.
And that was it?
Not really. After the same practice, two other players immediately said that they would not play if Thomas continued coaching. More girls tacked on their support and joined the ultimatum. From there Parker met with each of the girls on the team, some past players, and the four coaches in the program (one of whom is Thomas’ daughter).
What about the parents?
As much as we would love to blame this on Bedford parents, for this issue would fit very nicely next to the counselor issue, we really can’t. Parker did not meet with parents, even though they requested it, and kept the entire thing student-focused. The two players claimed that, while parents supported their daughters’ choices, the players were ultimately the ones to lead the cause.
Was it really justified?
Our answer: mehhh. That’s the text equivalent to a shoulder shrug. The two current players we spoke to said that, like all the coaches they’ve had, Thomas yelled at them. The difference between Thomas and other coaches? Other coaches yelled to make them better. The two players always felt that Thomas’ yelling was meant to put them down. Both claimed that it got to the point where it was harsh and embarrassing for players. But it’s not just what she says to them.
Say what?
The two players feel that Thomas’ lack of communication contributed most to the negative environment. Both players watched their playing time be suddenly cut, almost completely, their first year on varsity without any reason. Both separately talked to Thomas about what they could do better, and got nowhere. They both remember Thomas lashing out randomly at players, and claim it created a fearful environment. They two recall being scared to go to practice.
So it is justified?
Not so fast. We also spoke with two former players (both starters) and both had good relationships with Thomas. While both remember Thomas yelling and targeting players, both said she was always trying to make her players better. One former player admits that some girls found it tough to handle, and that it did create a negative environment. She went to the AD to find ways that she could personally fix the problem, not with the intention of getting Thomas fired. The other former player remembers other girls going to then-AD Bill Whitmore about their dislike of Thomas.
The Runaway
It’s a complete he-said-she-said situation. Or, we guess she-said-she-said situation. Gibbs is the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
What to say…
When you’re sad that Christmas is over but remember that it’s January…
It’s snow day season. **Cough cough, Mr. Fournier. We spoke to Mr. Fournier before break about the snow day calling process. The morning of, Mr. Fournier checks the weather, and calls the department of public works about how the roads are looking, and if they can clear them. He then talks to the Bedford police department about any accidents on the roads. After that, he talks with other nearby school districts about what they’re doing. Side note — even though Goffstown and Bedford use the same bus company, we don’t always do what they do. Rumor debunked! And then, after all of that work, he makes a decision. We suggested just using snow day calculator instead. Seems easier. But, apparently Bedford has a really good public works department that can clear the roads very efficiently. We know we’re Bedford and all, so we’re good at everything, but we really couldn’t have slacked off on this part? We’d be okay with it. June 14 seems like a good last day to us.
When you realize that, even after that long holiday break, budget season is still not over…
Guess Christmas wishes don’t come true. From what we could bear to watch, two and a half interesting things seem to be coming out of budget season. Well, three and a half, if you count the fact that no board member has missed a budget meeting. (Board Members, the stomachache excuse works no matter how old you are.) First interesting thing: BHS is getting a new football field, which we guess also means a new soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse field. The other? Crew is not getting the deal that BHS originally asked for. The board will give the program a $2200 stipend to officially make it a sport, but that’s only about a quarter of what they asked for. The half interesting thing? BHS is adding four new classes to its program of studies: Full year courses AP Computer Science A and IB Design Technology SL, and semester courses Current Events, and Music in Film. You know, course selections are coming up, and the board continues to straddle that AP/IB line, but besides that it’s not that interesting.
When you have to get back into school spirit now that your holiday spirit is no longer welcomed…
Is hockey still going on? Yes! And you wouldn’t even have to ask if you kept up with our winter sports guide. It is now completely updated with game/match/meet outcomes, standings, and schedules. But we do have to say, shoutout to girls ice hockey for their first two wins ever! You know why we love girls ice hockey? Because we get to talk about Maddy Lucontoni AGAIN.
Things to know
Look Nice and Pretty
Club yearbook photos are being taken this week! So maybe not the week to roll out of bed at 7:30, throw on the first thing you find, and swerve your way to school.
Turbo Mode Time
Quarter ends on Friday. Good luck with all of your all-nighters this week with the many tests and projects due.
Some Scary Stuff
College info night for juniors on Wednesday at 6! You can’t ignore it any longer.
Sports Alternative
Winter band concert at 6 on Thursday. You’ll only miss a girls hockey game and an alpine meet. NBD.
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