They recently had a 67-game win streak snapped in the state championship game last December. But the program's remarkable success has. Bellevue wraps up undefeated season with 3A state title. Jones has filed an unfair-labor-practices complaint with the Public Employment Relations Commission. "The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), which is the administrative body that governs prep sports hired two investigators who produced a 68-page report that confirmed much of what the Times discovered as well as other things. But many of those accomplishments are in jeopardy, because of a scandal that has now reached the punishment stage. In the second quarter, junior Carson Rubin got on the board with an thrilling 80 TD run, Razore completed his second TD pass of the day (once again to Hansen, of course), and senior DB Caymus Rooney took an interception 40 yards to the house. We asked readers for their thoughts on what repercussions the Bellevue football program should face, as well as what the scandal says about high-school sports. Arguably one of the best high school teams ever fielded in Texas, the 1988 Dallas Carter Cowboys were loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Team supporters have battled the Bellevue School Districts decisions. "It was discovered that there were athletes competing under false addresses in the Bellevue district. All told, a 42-0 first half lead. Onside kick with less than 2 minutes to go to setup Scoma winning field goal (Photo credit - Pete Caster / The News Tribune), Luke Scoma converts a must-have onside kick, then boots the game-winning field goal in the reigning Class 3A champions' 22-20 state quarterfinal victory over Gabarri Johnson-led Lincoln of Tacoma, A cadre of Lincoln defenders take down Bellevue running back Blake Tests during the first quarter of a Class 3A state quarterfinal game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at the Lincoln Bowl in Tacoma, Wash. PETE CASTER Pete Caster / The News Tribune Read more. Next stop for the Wolverines (13-0) is the state championship game the Gridiron Classic versus Kennewick at noon on Dec. 4 at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. And booster club President John Connors told supporters over the weekend that litigation may be necessary to protect the program. This is another example of the incredibly flawed process that has been guiding this investigation for months. Under ominous clouds and heavy winds, the Wolverines took the field in their electric yellow uniforms, to face the visiting Snohomish Panthers in a Week 10 crossover game. In 1959, Stamford defeated Brady 19-14 in the state championship. If that wasnt enough, the main boosters involved are discussing suing the conference over the penalties and coach Goncharoff says he has been set up. The Wolverines found paydirt early and often, ending the first quarter with a 280 lead, eventually taking a 35-0 lead to half. Freeman said he may have misunderstood the conversation about rent and that it was possible Goncharoff had only worked to help the family find a place to rent in Bellevue. Top-ranked Bellevue defeated Marysville Pilchuck, 27-3, in the 3A state football semifinals on Nov. 27 at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. However, the victory only lasted five months when the school became the first in the state to have their title taken from them. David R. Evans When I saw the David Horsey cartoon, light rail ambassadors inviting a fentanyl-smoking passenger to leave, I lost it, says a listener. Washington state wants to be a leader in climate change, but I sense that the voters are not as concerned about that these days. The Times uncovered 17 instances of Bellevue players who attend the Academic Institute, a small private school which does not offer football, in the last seven years. You depend on KNKX for trusted, in-depth local news, music by knowledgeable hosts and enlightening NPR programs. There are absolutely no facts to support KingCos conclusion they have foolishly relied on the false inferences of the WIAAs original report, Goncharoffs statement said. The booster club should be disbanded. I think the idea behind high school sports is pretty genuine if you get together and you play sports with the kids you grew up with.. Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Washington is one of the most successful high school football programs in the country, with 11 state titles in 15 years, a 67-game winning streak covering some of that period and a national footprint that has had them playing on ESPN. The win marks a return to the top for a former state juggernaut that won eight state championships from 2001 to 2011. Bellevue High School has the most successful football program in state history - winning 11 titles in the last 15 years. A video of two football players from John Jay High School in San Antonio went viral in September of 2015 after they blindsided a referee near the end of a game versus Marble Falls. Michael Kneip coaches his alma mater and is bent on restoring its football greatness. The second half once again belonged to the youngsters and up-and-comers, who finished strong to the tune of a 56-14 victory. By, Its almost like a cult. Activists shout down rural renewable energy projects, Amazon pauses construction in Virginia on its second headquarters, Dam owner guilty in field turf pollution of Puyallup River, First auction held for licenses to pollute in Washington, How this year's Selma Bridge Crossing could mark a community renaissance, Russia's foreign minister gets laughed at over Ukraine remarks at a global conference, Students learn lessons on climate change, pollution through raising salmon. One family complained their son was told his scholarship at the Institute would be revoked if he stopped playing football at Bellevue. Bellevues head coach and athletic director be fired immediately, 2. Carter High . Butch Goncharoff is banned from coaching in Washington State, 3. Saint Mary's guard Logan Johnson knows both sides of the Zags-Gaels rivalry, 35-year-old loved his dog, the outdoors and his mother who is accused of killing him, Accused killer returns to Spokane to face murder charge in 40-year-old South Hill cold case. Students at AI a school derided as a diploma mill by two former teachers are still allowed to play on the Bellevue football team. "I would say the rules are loose. His older brother became vice president of the teams booster club. Saint Mary's guard Logan Johnson knows both sides of the Zags-Gaels rivalry , "It should be an awesome environment": Gonzaga's WCC title hopes depend on outcome vs. Gaels , Gonzaga rewind: Ben Gregg continues to thrive in expanded role, helps Gonzaga thump San Diego , Daily marijuana use raises risk of heart disease by 34%, study indicates, 'Growing up I can say I fell victim to being a Gonzaga fan.' Discretely paid for by the booster club. At least two families of football players received tuition assistance coordinated by the teams wealthy supporters, according to interviews and documents. And oh, by the way, how is it fair that a public school has limits on the geographic locations of its players homes,but private schools players can live anywhere? 56-0 win over Juanita! The Academic Institute has a monthly tuition of $1,750. Adults knew this was going on for years. The events took place under the watch of school district officials who conceded that discounted tuition for athletes would constitute a violation of state athletic rules, a district document shows. The deluge culminated in a 34-0 halftime lead for BHS. It is high time to clean up this mess. More of the money went to pay for school; the kind with no real academics. Rescind the championship titles, and ban the team from any post-season playoffs for five years. Bellevue coach Butch Goncharoff was suspended two games for "improper out-of-season activities" and for providing money to a player. We asked our fans to vote for the 3A Players of the Year for Texas HS Football Podcast: Championship Series. Bellevue (Wash.) School District officials are planning to fire the head coach of the Bellevue High School football team, according to a letter sent to the coach by a top district official and . Supporters of the Bellevue football program have shared the letter on social media. These efforts were and are fully within the rules., The boosters vowed to continue to fight. Have no fear, Bellevue Faithful, the East Channel Bridge rivalry is very much alive. Nobody is talking about the kids who lived in-district whose spots were taking by athletic carpetbaggers., Sothe investigation found that, among other things, Bellevue boosters paid tuitionfor some players to attend an alternative school (just like many kids do) in order to receive instruction, compatible with their learning styles,that they needed to improve their academic standing. She has worked in news radio for more than 30 years. How did parents move into a new apartment and never pay a dime of rent and never ask how that came to be? Bellevue High's football squad completed an undefeated season by winning the 3A state championship with a 17-13 triumph over Kennewick High on Dec. 4 at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. Maybe there is some truth to some stories, and maybe it is just random speculation, but it is out there, usually in the private school arena. Bellevue Superintendent Tim Mills says the district will appeal. And a large percentage of those kids were athletes," Thiel said. Wangs 64-yard burst up the middle with four minutes left gave the top-seeded Wolverines (14-0) the winning margin. The families of two other players have described how supporters of the football program had a role in coordinating scholarships for the players. Food, Drink, and Coastal Christmas Anacortes has it all. 2023 Bonneville International. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory If you would like to share your thoughts or experiences in relation to this story, please email the reporter or. We love the playoffs, Coach Kneip said postgame, this is the best time of the year, and were ready to get after it!. Bellevue High School, Wolverine Way, Bellevue, WA, USA Sat Nov 19 W 22-20 @ Lincoln High School "Abes" Lincoln Bowl, Tacoma, WA, USA - 701 S. 37th Street. The defense continued their stifling business, while the offense added a 27-yard Lucas Razore-to-Hogan Hansen TD, and a 39-yard Daniels TD run, leading to a comfortable first quarter lead. Weve seen a couple of surveys about Seattles happiness rating, one shows us near the top for happiness, and one has us closer to the bottom. Come celebrate Anacortes 11th annual Bier on the Pier! Goncharoff released a statement after KingCos sanctions were handed down. In its report to KingCo, the Bellevue School District acknowledged several violations of rules while disputing other aspects of the independent investigation. Medicare open enrollment is here and SHIBA can help! Brick by brick!. Head coach Butch Goncharoff has been fired. This begins the discussion of the penalty phase of the violations, and there are several steps working through that process, said Mike Colbrese, WIAA executive director. We hear stories about competing schools. Bellevue has also been the subject of a nearly year-long investigation by the KingCo Conference, the league governing body for high school athletics in King County. Records reviewed by the Seattle Times, however, show that Freemans father has had a home address in Auburn. A talented Wolves team got out to a very fast start and never looked back, and the Wolverines found themselves on the wrong end of a running clock in the second half. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory %link% The Bellevue High football team is reportedly aided by a diploma mill private school. 2021 State Champs! They said Goncharoff never gave the family money to pay for rent. And in years where cheating was determined to have occurred, titles should be forfeited. Go re-read this story, and you will have your answers. The Colleyville Heritage Steroid Scandal. Goncharoff has argued that the decision to fire him was based on improperly applied policies. Found a preponderance of evidence that Bellevue boosters paid the tuition of athletes at The Academic Institute. None of our business, he said. Bellevue can appeal the sanctions to KingCo principals within five school days, then can appeal to the executive board of the SeaKing District and ultimately to the executive board of the WIAA. Following the string of robberies, six players were sentenced to prison with terms ranging from two to 25 years. After the game, Coach Kneip said, Our job is to put our kids in the best position to win a state championship, and that means challenging ourselves against the best opponents we can possibly find for our non-conference games.. That loss was an eye-opener, as Bellevue dominated in every aspect of the game against our team. McKinney North Principal Linda Thret was the mom of one of the Fab Five and eventually resigned due to mounting pressure over her lack of discipline with the group. NEWSLINE 425-453-4270. Plenty of things we need to clean up for next week, though. Varsity takes the field this Saturday (10/8) at Juanita, at 7pm, while the JV will face Juanita at home the following Monday. An investigation released Tuesday revealed significant and long-standing violations by the Bellevue High School football program. The Bellevue High (Seattle) football team is reportedly aided through a "diploma mill" private school, according to an investigation by The Seattle Times . Probation: Bellevue athletic department is on probation for four years. The final score is simply listed as Brady 1 Stamford 0 in the states record books. Here is a selection of the. "The Bellevue High School football cheating scandal is 'American Greed' at it worst.". 9 Rainier Beach into WIAA 3A state semifinals, William Wangs career night lifts No. Freeman met with a reporter on two separate occasions at a SeaTac restaurant. In an article about how Bellevues success was aided by a small private school, Freeman, 20, told the Times that he lived in four different cities during his years with the Bellevue football team Sammamish, Bellevue, Auburn and SeaTac. Im already excited for next week. JV plays at Lake Washington on Monday 9/26. Bellevue High School Football; Bellevue Football. A native of Southern California, now living in North Carolina, he has been working in broadcast, print and digital media for nearly 30 years. You cheat, you steal, you lie. Usain Bolt defeats Justin Gatlin, defends 100-meter title. Bellevue High School offered a Physical Education program (football) not offered by this sham institution. Two former teachers told the Times the Academic Institute doesnt adhere to basic educational standards. Players need a 2.0 GPA with no more than one failing class to compete athletically. If youre a Pac-12 talent, you are going to jump off the page at recruiters, he said. Final score: 20-14, bringing the JV to 1-1. It's the entire structure that needs reform and a lot of attention. This isnt just about high school sports. June 29, 2022 Posted in&nbspkawasaki monster energy jersey. Brick by brick!. In all, six players were connected with 21 robberies that occurred in Carter neighborhoods. The Bellevue High School football team is one victory away from the ultimate return to glory. "This is the most successful athletic program in state history and it's being torn down. To do whats best for your kid, he said. Texas HS Football State Champions: 1920-2022, 2022 3A Fan Vote All-Texas High School Football Team, TXHSFB Podcast Championship Edition: Benjamin Mustangs, 2022 2A Fan Vote All-Texas High School Football Team, Texas HS Football Fan Vote Player Of The Year. In January of 1991, after the UIL completed their investigation and the legal battle ended, Dallas Carter was stripped of their title and Converse Judson was named the 1988 5A champions. It's not a state agency. Copyright 2023, The Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy, A Grip on Sports: The action, good and bad, hits a little closer to home today, ESPN analysts expect 'rocking' Kennel for GameDay show, 'heavyweight fight' in Gonzaga-Saint Mary's nightcap , 'Growing up I can say I fell victim to being a Gonzaga fan.' During one of the meetings with the Times, Freeman said he no longer had a relationship with his father. Unfazed by the less than hospitable conditions, the Wolverine ground game got to work against a stout Panther defense. A KingCo committee came down hard on Bellevue football Tuesday, banning the program from postseason play and prohibiting outside donations for four years. Final score: 48-14, Bellevue. In 2003 Thiel wrote the definitive book about the Seattle Mariners, Out of Left Field, which became a regional bestseller. Lake Washington Windows and Doors is a local window dealer offering the exclusive Leak Armor installation. The KingCo Conference is a 16-team conference [and] their athletic directors decided some fairly draconian punishments. Once you address these issues, thenlets talk about a level playing field.. Strip them of their titles going back to 2001. In order to remedy the violations, the district had proposed a suspension of the teams booster club along with meetings, training programs and policy reviews to ensure rules are followed in the future. Who do these kids think they are? What makes them think they are so deserving? You know what? Jayson Jenks: 206-464-8277 or, cited in its report a preponderance of evidence that violations had occurred, 68-page independent report that found wide-ranging rules violations within the program, Bellevue football banned from postseason for 4 years, WIAA lifts Bellevue postseason ban, strips two state titles, Cedar Park Christian hires ex-Bellevue coach Butch Goncharoff, Two-year ban for Goncharoff ruled violation of union rights, After upheaval, sanctions, Bellevue ready to get back to playing football again, Report: Bellevue coaches violated rules for years, district obstructed probe, was placed on a three-year probation last year, district had proposed a suspension of the teams booster club along with meetings. The Wolverines will look to keep extend their conference win streak next week, at home, against the Knights of Newport. Bellevue High School has the most successful football program in state history winning 11 titles in the last 15 years. The players reportedly said the refereewas using racial slurs and said they were instructed to hit the ref by their coach, Mack Breed. Bellevue will host Mead High School in the 3A Round of 16, this Saturday at Noon. At least 42 transfer students contributed to Bellevue's football team from 2008 to 2015, according to the report, for a program that has reached 13 Class 3A state championship games in the past. The specifics of what happened is more symbolic of what is preposterously wrong with parents who lack the ability to teach their kids the responsibilities of being a student athlete. The Bellevue grads on staff are Jake Hiller (2010, offensive line coach), Morgann Richey (2014, offensive line), Ryan Gilbert (2015, defensive backs), Jack Michael (2015, defensive backs), Matt Gilbert (2012, defensive coordinator), AJ Kneip (2016, offensive line/strength coach), Miles Carlson (2016, defensive back), Quinn Sullivan (2018, linebackers), Joe Razore (1997, offensive coordinator), Cam Johnson (1999, wide receivers), Peter Nguyen (2009, wide receivers) and Jojo Connor (2010, quarterbacks). It taught them how to succeed and prepared them for the future. Bellevue High's football squad completed an undefeated season by winning the 3A state championship with a 17-13 triumph over Kennewick High on Dec. 4 at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup.