Disclaimer: The writer of this particular story has a personal connection to the girls basketball program.
The Story
Sue Thomas has appealed her termination as the girls varsity basketball head coach at BHS.
Back up
This has been the hot topic around Bedford, because residents have pretty much just been twiddling their thumbs since the counselor issue. Essentially, Thomas was fired for creating a negative environment and intimidating her players. After things said at a Saturday practice on 12/22, players met with Mr. Parker (the BHS Athletic Director), who ultimately decided to fire Thomas from her position on 12/31.
Keep going
The appeal is being reviewed by Superintendent Fournier, who was aware of the decision made by Parker and BHS Principal, Mr. Hagen. Thomas, her two daughters, and a friend made statements in the public session at last week’s school board meeting, bringing up two main points about the interim coach and conflict resolution.
Kelso’s choices again?
Exactly. Thomas and her daughters called for teaching kids, especially girls, conflict resolution skills to deal with the problems they face. Thomas stated at the school board meeting that she would not be appealing if there was a conflict resolution process in place, but admitted it still might have led to her being fired.
And the interim coach?
The prior assistant varsity coach, Kevin Gibbs, is coaching the remainder of the season as the interim head coach. However, Thomas claims that Gibbs was present at almost all of her practices and never went to the AD about her coaching, meaning that there was either nothing to complain about, or he was complicit. To be honest, no one really knows if Gibbs approached Parker before the investigation about Thomas’ coaching. Both Gibbs and Parker have declined to comment on the matter.
What else?
We know! What a nailbiter! There seems to be a focus on how the “snowflake” generation can’t handle tough coaching. First of all, what the heck does that even mean? We thought you wanted to be a snowflake. It means you’re special. But, the Union Leader has an article about coaches struggling these days with snowflake kids. Let’s just say, it’s a little one-sided.
One sided?
The article gives various NH coaches’ views on the tough coaching atmosphere. But, there has to be a line somewhere－bullying, inappropriate comments, etc. 35 percent of kids we’ve polled on Instagram have experienced a coach that has crossed this line at BHS. Not the majority, but maybe a little higher than administration might want…
The Runaway
We wait, find out more about these other coaches that have crossed some lines, watch the girls season (who are 3-1 in the games without Thomas, only having a tough loss to Salem), ponder what it meant when our parents called us snowflakes when we were younger, etc.
What to say…
When you try to forget all of your problems in the hope that they go away…
Like that apartment complex thing. Forgot about it, then poof! It was gone. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that didn’t seem to work. A little under two weeks ago, the zoning board vetoed the 120 apartment play, saying that only 95 apartments are permitted by the zoning ordinance in that area. Bill Greiner and Dick Anagnost, the two developers behind the project, want to develop the area behind ex-Shorty’s into apartments and renovate the restaurant itself, into God knows what. When taking into account the entire area, the zoning laws should allow for 120 apartments. However, Planning Director Becky Hebert made the decision to calculate the density by separating the lot into the restaurant land and the apartments land. The two developers are appealing, and requesting a variance to allow more than the 95 apartments. But, we feel like they could save some time by promising to bring Shorty’s back. And make sure to remind the board about the fries. Best we’ve ever had. Greiner and Anagnost need at least 114 apartments to get the natural gas lines that would be used both by the apartment complex and the school. The appeal will be addressed at a town planning meeting tomorrow (1/15) at 7 pm in the Lurgio cafeteria. Who’s excited?
When you’re trying to find the football of winter…
One word: hockey. And yes, the sports are very different, but it usually ends up being the most popular sport of the winter season, maybe because they’ve been kicking ass for the past three years. And this year is not an exception — we are currently in first place with six wins, and one tie to Londonderry. We’ve got to say, that’s embarrassing. Londonderry is, politely, not great? Two days ago, we crushed Bow, 6-0, a school that might find DII really nice. The team only had three shots the entire game, vs. our 54 shots. Yes, we were only 1 for 9 in shots made, but that’s something else entirely. What we really want to know is what goalie Ben Bernard was doing all game since Bow had only three shots on goal. Maybe checking Snapchat, practicing some figure skating moves, going to get a snack, we don’t know.
When you feel like “how the hell is hockey a supplement for football…”
We’re almost halfway there. But, will we even be good next year? It’s a tough call — we lost Ryan Toscano, and some other players whose names we can’t remember. However, there are only two Bedford players mentioned in NH Football Report’s “top players in the class of 2020”: Charlie Kneissl-Williams and Torey Helton. There is only one named for the class of 2021: Solomon Sanchez. Though, we think they’re missing Sonny Elie. While it seems like they don’t think much of our chances at a ‘ship title, we have hope. The team is already in the weightroom getting ready for next season.
When you haven’t been hearing much about the school board lately…
You’re not missing much. They’ve finalized the budget, which we still have nightmares about, and talked about the superintendent search. The search committee has already started the process. Again, you’re not missing much.
Things to Know
Late Bus
Nope! Just kidding! You’re not getting one!
Hasta La Vista
Mr. Hagen has officially confirmed that he is retiring at the end of this year, and Mr. Jozokos will be taking his place.
Increased Security
There is now a sliding window in the vestibule of the main entrance for checking IDs, and asking visitors their purpose for being there. And they are not selling fries. Yet.
School Spirit!!
Check out our winter sports guide for season updates!
Too Much Free Time
So write, report, or market for us! Email us here or DM us on Twitter or Instagram @runawaybulldog.