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Harrisonburg High School Investigation Save Email Print
Harrisonburg, Va.
Posted: 3:12 PM Apr 9, 2008
Last Updated: 11:23 AM Apr 10, 2008
Reporter: Kelly Creswell & Ed Reams

A | A | A

Some members of the Harrisonburg High School football team are accused of armed robbery and distributing prescription pain pills.

Information came out Wednesday afternoon concerning star players who are allegedly involved with the drugs, as well as allegations that the coaches knew what was going on but turned a blind eye to any illegal activity.

Investigators from the Harrisonburg Police Department signed search warrants to access records at the high school.

An affidavit filed with the clerk of court Wednesday alleges nine current memebrs of the school's football team, one former student, the team's head coach and two assistant coaches were involved in, or had knowledge of, the distribution of prescription pills in the school's locker room before games. Many of the pills are believed to have been Oxycontin.

Investigators say some of the football players may have also been involved in an armed robbery of rival high school students on Halloween 2007.

One of the students allegedly involved is the football team's star player. Ten other Harrisonburg High School students' names are also listed in the affidavit.

Police executed a search warrnant at the high school Wednesday morning and got all the documents they needed. Although no arrests have been made in this case, investigators want to know how many players and coaches knew about this alleged prescription drug distribution, but who also failed to tell police.

The biggest name on the list junior Alexander Owah, a star running back on the football team. Police talked to Owah more than once during this investigation.

According to the affidavit, on January 23, 2008, Owah admitted to being part of an armed robbery which included other Harrisonburg High School students Ronnell Brandon and Stedman Jones. Owah said he only helped plan the robbery.

On March 28, Owah was questioned again and investigators asked about his knowledge of Brandon dealing prescription pain pills before football games while in the locker room of Harrisonburg High School.

In the affadavit, Owah states he was aware that Brandon had been both selling and giving away pills since the 2006-2007 football season and that Brandon had told him the pills would make it so players would feel no pain during games, even from hits by other players.

Owah verbally committed to UVA in December.

The Harrisonburg City School Superintendent says since this matter deals with students and personnel, he cannot comment on the matter at this time.

Along with alleging that some of the coaches knew about the drugs, police also allege some of the assistant coaches may have known about the armed robbery. However, the coaches did not report it to the police.

In the affidavit released Wednesday, HPD Sgt. Christoper Rush, Harrisonburg Criminal Investigations Gang Unit, says it was "very apparent that there was an overwhelming amount of information and knowledge about the use and distribution of pain pills by football players of the Harrisonburg High School football team."

Rush also says that not only did the players know about this themselves, but several coaches also had this information and knowledge. In the affidavit, Rush talked with head football coach Tim Sarver.

He says, "Sarver stated he had heard of Ronnell Brandon selling drugs on one occasion and on another occasion received an anonymous note that his football players were selling drugs."

Sarver also says he approached Brandon about it in the spring of 2007, but that Brandon denied any involvement or knowledge.

In the affidavit, Rush goes on to say that "Sarver stated that even though he had received information about Ronnell Brandon selling drugs and received a follow-up anonymous letter about it, he never reported this information to police."

The affidavit also alleges that two assistant coaches, Jay Hook and David Long, had knowledge of some of these reports.

Rush says Hook told him he had no knowledge of of the drug dealing, but did know about the armed robbery, which he allegedly never told police about.

Rush adds Long said he had heard about the allegations and had questioned Brandon, but he "did not know where to draw the line between what was rumor and what was real."


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Posted by: MaDux Location: Harrisonburg on Jun 19, 2008 at 11:51 AM
What really kills me about all this is that kids down thru time have always experimented and done things that they needed guidance through. Sometimes kids make stupid decisions and stupid mistakes. Does that mean that we as adults should count them as a waste of time or just someone that needs a little guidance? It used to be, back in the golden age, that when a police officer found a kid drunk, he would take them home and have a talk with the kid and the parents and then the parents would do whatever it was that the parents did to keep their kid in line I realize prescription drugs are not alcohol, but today is a whole lot different than the old days- today, they throw the kids to the wolves (Chris Rush) and instead of having any type of talk, they are arrested, kept in the interrogation room for hours without being given a phone call. What happened to juvenile rights? Sometimes they really only need a little guidance. Sports is a good activity for any kids to become involved in.

Posted by: yoooo Location: who cares on May 22, 2008 at 12:02 PM
I LOVE HHS, YAW NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH BEFORE U START HATING. HHS FOOTBALL ROCKS

Posted by: HHS Location: Virginia on Apr 19, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Wow...sounds like HHS Football Player needs to spend a little bit more time on his grammar/communication skills and a little less time on the field/peddling drugs in the locker room. It's inspiring and it warms my heart to know that Coach Sarver and the old boys at HHS are teaching you "da game of life". Good luck rubbing those 2 brain cells together after graduation. I heard they're accepting applications at K-Mart.

Posted by: HHS '08 on Apr 14, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Reguardless, this has happened. Yes, it's sad and yes, maybe it could have been prevented but what we need to realize is that schools are not 100% bad-choice-free. No matter how many times the staff rams it into our heads that these choices are bad, it is up to the students to make their own choices. No matter who we try to blame, it all boils down to the fact that some underage kids decided to make some bad choices. Is it really worth over 177 comments? HHS Students and Teachers: Blue forever, We Believe. Parents, Citizens, and Other random people: thanks for your concern.

Posted by: HHS Football Player Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 12, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Blue Streaks all day every day. I luv all of you guys on da team chris rush is a liar he lied to you and it was wrong he told you nothin would happen and you still get suspended for 10 days yea well he's nobody we are a family and we just got to stick 2getha these people hate cuz they not blue streaks a blue streak is who we are not where we go to school. You guys got my support and seniors its our time to do our thing its now or never 4get da media 4get da people dat hate us stay 2getha and hold your heads high be proud your a blue streak cuz i sure am and im proud of all of you people involved that stood up and took responsibility thank you for being men about it. Coach Sarver I luv u like a second father you have my suport and i dnt care wat people say about u, u r a great man with great morals and i kno u ddnt know about it. thank u 4 teaching us da game of life not jus football and showing us how to become men. Blue Streaks show who we really are we still gonna be on top!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: harrisonburg on Apr 12, 2008 at 09:07 AM
people do u not think right everyone messes up more than once in there lifes.. Ronnell is a good person i know this i know him vary good and i dont think people are putting this out the right way.If you have kids you would not know what to do right now if your kid was where Ronnell is. Youneed to ask why chris rush is even in this, this is about drugs not gangs Ronnell is not IS NOT in no gang!!!! Why is everyone on here outting this on the boys who took the pills? These boys did not know what they where.. I dont think putting under age kids names up is right it a law they cant and why can there do it now? They pulled out Robbie Dalton's thing from last year he has paid the price for what he did he is a different person now why are these people putting him back in all this agin?

Posted by: '84 Alumni Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 12, 2008 at 08:31 AM
Not only is robbery and selling drugs illegal, but the PURCHASE and USE of controlled substances is too! The other 10 kids should be charged for their crimes and punished! They are not innocent bystanders!!

Posted by: Sarah Sue Location: Virginia on Apr 11, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Anonhymous - Yes, I do have children and they were my responsibility 24/7. And yes if my children did something wrong I wanted the teachers and staff to let me know. However if my children did something wrong I made them accept the responsibility and consequences for their behavior and actions. Frankly, because I wanted my children to grow up to be well adjusted adults I would have been upset if others tried to justify what my children did wrong by blaming others. Had my child been selling drugs for two football seasons I would have known because I never pretended they were grown up at 17 and I knew what they were doing and where they were. The problem with a lot of parents is they are too busy building careers and homes and not interested enough in building families!! How often do teachers talk to parents about problems and the parents still blame the teachers for their kids' bad grades, bad behavior, etc. I know this because my child grew up to be a teacher.

Posted by: I BELIEVE: Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 11, 2008 at 07:42 PM
Re:not surprised: Rip off our State Championship Title? come on now, you already RIPPED off our State Championship signs!you want our Big Rings too:GROW UP This could get ugly, with things being brought up. Boy I hope the next 5 month's go fast, because I cant wait, WE BELIEVE

Posted by: anonhymous on Apr 11, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Sarah Sue - do you have children? Maybe it is not the job of the teachers and coaches etc. to do "parenting" but when they are in school they are their responsibility and they should be responsible enough to report any such actions to the authorities and to parents. The ball was dropped here! Would you expect your child to be able to attend school and do whatever he/she pleases without any consequences?

Posted by: Parent Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 11, 2008 at 12:02 PM
This situation is a perfect example that our lives are not our own. Our actions effect not only ourselves but our family, friends, and those around us. We all make mistakes, some are more costly than others. These boys obviously made some poor choices and now they and their families are paying a very dear price. However, if a little embarrassment, and some minor punishment is what it takes to teach them a lesson then it was worth it. I hope this will be a good life learning lesson for them. We need to choose our friends wisely, realize our parents know what they're talking about, stop to think before we join the crowd.

Posted by: KimE Location: here on Apr 11, 2008 at 08:32 AM
RE: Sandy. I was not referencing the boys that were involved in the armed robbery. I was referencing the boys that were honest with the authorities and were told that it was in strict confidence. The boys should be held acoountable with their parents. If it weren't for those boys honesty and cooperation the investigators wouldn't have a drug case at all. I am not blaming anyone, except to say that it was irresponsible to post their names.

Posted by: Let's get it straight Location: Hburg on Apr 11, 2008 at 07:21 AM
I believe everyone is losing sight of the issue here. There is NO question that kids who committed robbery and were selling these drugs are at fault. There is no question that the kids that bought or took any of these pills made bad judgements, but the two issues here are being confused and the kids who thought they were taking pain relievers are being confused by EVERYONE including the media for being robbers and drug pedalers. You have 2 kids at the center of this issue.......with the exception of 'Alex Owah...all the other kids on the affidavit DID NOT have ANYTHING to do with the other crimes. There IS a significant difference in making a choice to commit robbery and sell drugs and asking for a pain reliever before a game and getting something other than an over the counter pain reliever, which many of these kids are thinking they were getting. That is what a number of the kids on the affidavit thought they were getting......not oxycontin or whatever the other drugs were.

Posted by: SHOCK Location: HBURG on Apr 11, 2008 at 07:10 AM
RE: SANDY your problem is that your focusing on the arm robbery & selling of drugs which I agree someone must pay. But the other kids that were listed on the affidavit were not involved with robbery or selling of drugs. So when your commenting make sure you list the 2 kids that are the main focus. Thanks!

Posted by: Manny Location: Fishersville on Apr 11, 2008 at 04:39 AM
The OxyContin epidemic, created by Purdue Pharma, has destroyed and ended lives all across this nation. Young people do not understand the risks of "recreationally" taking drugs such as this. OxyContin is highly addictive and will normally lead the person to heroin, as the heroin is cheaper than OxyContin. I'll pray that all of the students involved in this incident will get the proper treatment and counseling they need to overcome the effects of this terrible drug. Please see www.oxyabusekills.com

Posted by: Robert Location: Rockingham County on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Joan do you even have an ounce of reality in your brain. You pose the question should we report speeders, building code violators etc. Maybe we don't report the guy rolling through a stop sign, but suspose it is a Drunk Driver rolling toward a school zone. Do you let that go Joan. Is that the kind of person you are. We all know that there is a grey area (5mph over the speed limit, etc) but somethings are so far across the line. These kids are lucky. Not one of them ODed but the risk was there and real. Sarver is an inteligent man and maybe he didn't know what kind of drugs were being sold, but I would hope he would have recognized the risk. Maybe we could just put the police in every classroom and on every corner, so that people like you Joan and people like Sarver can just keep their mouths shut even when the obvious says otherwise.

Posted by: Cali Location: Virginia on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:50 PM
HHS Football Player - Wake up! These guys didn't just make mistakes!! They sold drugs and committed armed robbery!! Someone could have been seriously injured or killed because of the things they did. You obviously have no concept of the severity of what these young men did or you wouldn't be worrying about them attending a baseball game!! Another really sad thing about all of this is that if they wouldn't have been caught it would still be going on!! I agree with Sandy that what these young men did is not just poor judgement or mistakes!! Stop trying to make them victims!! Also, this doesn't make HHS a bad school!! I appreciate the teachers and staff at HHS, or at any school for that matter, that deal with young people and their parents everyday!! You have my admiration!!

Posted by: Let's Be Real Here!! Location: Dayton, VA on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Is there not one person on this earth that hasn't made some bad decisions? Let's not judge anyone until we have walked in their shoes! Aren't these students still considered juveniles? What right do we have to post legal documents with their names in it? If I were a parent whose kid had commented and made some stupid mistakes, I would be outraged! I'm positive these boys wouldn't have told all, if they had known that all of US Noisy people would be reading their names, birthdays, and comments! Must they play for their teenage misjudgements for the rest of their life -- (whisper, whisper)that one of the boys that was invoved in the HHS drug scandal! Have a little heart for all involved! Send a little prayer up for each of these kid's parents! Most of these kids have good parents -- put yourself in their shoes!

Posted by: HHS Parent on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Do any of you understand what is going on here? These 10 kids that were in the affidavit and plastered all over the news had NOTHING>>>>NOTHING to do with any robbery and NOTHING to do with the selling of any drugs. Good God, make sure you have the facts before you start bashing these kids. I am guessing that most of you doing the bashing either don't have kids of your own, or are dillusional to think your child never makes a mistake. None of these parents are condoning the behavior, but many of these kids are great students that have NEVER been in any trouble. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK. Unless you know the whole story, you might not want to judge......you never know when YOU will be on the other end of something like this. Try to support these kids during this time instead of kicking them while they're down!!!

Posted by: County Redneck Location: Here on Apr 10, 2008 at 09:42 PM
I cant believe these so called football players would take pain pills. That just shows you when you play a county team you are going to get your bell rung. NO PAIN NO GAIN

Posted by: Sandy Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Re: Shock & Kim E. There you go again still trying to find yet someone else to blame!! Let's blame the legal system now. We can't just blame the kids that did the crime and hold them responsible, can we!?! What a concept!!! Some of them are old enough to vote for the President of our country and can get behind the wheel of a car, yet we can't hold them responsible for other decisions they make? Selling drugs and armed robbery are not poor judgements, their crimes!!

Posted by: Jus Sayin Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Parent: i dont think its fair for you to criticize all of HHS becasue i happen to go to this High School that your making your comments on ..as high school students we are not all perfect but i know that i have never taken or done any kind of drugs and for you to talk so degradingly about my school sickens me. if you think that you can handle the situation any better then why havent you stepped up. If you think your qualified to make sure that absolutly no wrong or bad decisions are made in high school then PLEASE step up. i'll be waiting..for a long time too . because completing that task is never going to happen. So instead the city of Harrisonburg has composed a adminstration of people that are best capable of making school a place for students to come to in order to get their education. So even though certain students make their mistakes thats jus it theres always going to be some conflict to deal with and you have got to let the right people deal with it.

Posted by: HHS Teacher Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 07:55 PM
I think the huge experiment known as athletics is failing the promise of character building in our schools. Look at HHS, look at other high school entities, look at colleges and look at the NFL. Its just about the money now, We are failing these kids and sports is part of the problem and not part of the solution. Dollars can be better spent elsewhere. I personally resent the athletics department becausethey can get away with more than the rest of us can becuase they are coaches. The students resent the athletes because they do get treated better than say the hispanics and the average students. This is how the students see it too. Its the same darn thing with the cheerleaders. I firmly believe that the coaches knew about this and turned a blind eye because had they reported it it would have killed their football season. How can any teacher not report knowing that a student was involved in a armed robbery to the police? or taking an illegal drug?

Posted by: HHS Football player Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 07:35 PM
I think it is so wrong for the school to suspend all the students that were questioned. They have a 10 day suspension and some are playing varsity baseball and now they cant even go to the games to support their team. I dont care what you all have to say about them they are my friends and they know they made a mistake but did it really have to go this far? Why is this being made into a bigger deal than it should be. I think we should stop and just wait and see what develops and let the investigation continue.

Posted by: DISGUSTED Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 07:08 PM
AS A PARENT, I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE MY ABSOLUTE DISGUST IN THE MISHANDLING OF THIS INVESTIGATION BY DET. RUSH ON BEHALF OF THE HPD. THE SIMPLE FACT THAT THESE KIDS WERE QUESTIONED AT THE SCHOOL WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF AN ADULT, DISPLAYS A TOTAL LACK OF RESPONSIBILITY ON BEHALF OF THE HPD DUE TO THE FACT THAT THESE BOYS ARE JUVENILES. THESE BOYS WERE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF BECAUSE OF THEIR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM AND THEIR RIGHTS. EACH OF THESE BOYS WERE ASSURED THAT THEY WERE NOT IN TROUBLE AND WERE ONLY HELPING GATHER INFORMATION ON THE INDIVIDUAL BEING INVESTIGATED. BEFORE THE HEARING AT THE DISTRICT COURT IN STAUNTON ON MARCH 28TH, THESE BOYS WERE ASSURED BY DETECTIVES THAT THIS INFORMATION WAS IN STRICT CONFIDENCE. CLEARLY, SINCE THEIR NAMES ARE PLASTERED ACROSS EVERY TV STATION IN THE VALLEY, THIS HAS NOT BEEN THE CASE. THESE BOYS FEEL BETRAYED BY THE VERY PEOPLE THEY GREW UP BEING TAUGHT TO TRUST...THE POLICE.

Posted by: Mr. Enlightened Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Not Suprised stated that,"HARRISONBURG SHOULD HAVE THEIR STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS RIPPED FROM THEM." The state championship was in 2001, so we weren't even in High school when it happened. Shallow comments needn't be said.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 10, 2008 at 06:39 PM
If HHS is so great why are the students past and present saying how bad it is. Even students they showed on the news. County schools rock. Look at the records TA out performs HHS on every field.

Posted by: Hburg Resident Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 06:35 PM
I can't find words to describe my total disgust for people that have attacked Sgt. Rush and blamed him for this situation. Our policemen put their lives on the line every day to protect us, even the idiots that wrote such outrageous comments. Sgt. Rush didn't commit these crimes. He didn't create fictional information. He did his job and exactly what you are suppose to do when suspicious illegal activity has been reported .. you investigate to find the truth so that the violators can be held accountible for their actions. These boys know right from wrong and they chose to break school "NO TOLERANCE" policy and the law. These coaches deliberately chose to be totally irresponsible and ignore information that was given them. The coaches should take the opportunity to stand up now and show their students and athletes what it means to be a man by taking responsibility for their lack of action and accept the consequences of their extremely poor judgement.

Posted by: HHS Student Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Parent: Could you please post the evidence that the administration knew about what was going on? My lumps? Where is the evidence that any other students knew what was going on? No one is sweeping anything under the rug--those specific earned THEIR lumps, what did any of the rest of us have to do with it? Punish them to the fullest, I'm all for it, but please stop bashing all of HHS for the mistakes of a few kids.

Posted by: Parent Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 05:49 PM
To the previous post from HHS Student: Wake up and smell the prescription drug. Stop looking for excuses. Your administration and those players are all responsible, and no amount of trying to sweeping it under the rug will change that. Take your lumps...you earned them.

Posted by: Angry Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 05:42 PM
At this point, I am more angry with the ignorance I am reading than the errors the students made. Give the school and coaches a break. The students and their parents need to be held accountable.

Posted by: HHS student Location: The Burg on Apr 10, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Yes, Rush should be in a remedial English class. I guess "Anonymous" cannot tell the difference in a typo and someone who uses the English language less profeciently than our new immigrant population. I am thankful to God that I have had the opportunity to be educated and coached at HHS. Thank God for Irene Reynolds- a true voice of reason. I thank God for the teachers and coaches at HHS. I thank God that I live and attend school in Harrisonburg- not the backward schools of Rockingham County. I see what their narrow minded education as produced.

Posted by: HHS Student Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 05:37 PM
"Not surprised," you're probably not surprised because this type of thing can happen anywhere, at any high school. Punish those that deserve punishment, don't punish the whole school, the whole coaching staff, or alumnae (the state championship was in 2001). Harrisonburg had nothing to do with TA being moved up in division--both TA and Broadway were moved from D3 to join HHS and SHS in D4 this year due to their growing populations. Also, these drugs didn't help anyone win. If you're from TA then you should know that. Let's try to keep this discussion reasonable and rational, no need for 'screaming' (ALL CAPS!). This is a serious, sad situation and deserves to be taken seriously. Don't throw around accusations, HHS is a GREAT school with GREAT students. Everything has a few exceptions.

Posted by: local citizen Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 05:29 PM
My God what a difficult job schools have to do based on the ignorance of the public that is posting comments. Give up the school trophies??? That has to be from the wannabe TA losers. TA students and parents- the whole community has always been envious of Harrisonburg. This is an example of county rednecks at their worst.

Posted by: HHS Parent Location: The Burg on Apr 10, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Shame on anyone who blames teachers and coaches because of a few kids with problems who have their heads in a hole in the ground. Shame on Chris Rush for attacking teachers rather than the problem. Accolades to the teachers! The administration! The coaches!

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 10, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Can anyone post what happened in the locker room with a gun? I believe one of the boys involved with the drugs was involved? Was he suspended/expelled?

Posted by: HHS student Location: HHS on Apr 10, 2008 at 04:58 PM
in response to not surprised: I think you are out of your mind. no one said these activities were going on during the season we won states so why should that be taken from us.and we are proud of ourselves for the great school we have established. thanks! i personally think people need to stop criticizing our school and past accomplishments as an outcome of this story. I also want to ask everyone this: what if this happened at the your school? the school you support? would you be trashing it and making the same comments. and whsv needs to get a life. and stop broadcasting this. seriously.

Posted by: Parent on Apr 10, 2008 at 04:54 PM
A lot of this could have been avoided if the parents were contacted with the allegations and rumors a long time ago and been given an opportunity to get to the bottom of it and get their child help. Instead the school system USUALLY contacts the authorities first and then it is a much bigger problem. Some things do need to be handled at home. Drugs are a huge problem. The situation with the gun is what worries me the most, at that point, the police should have been notified. There are great people working in H'burg city schools and there are a lot that don't care. Teachers, you can never be too busy to help a child in need. Even if it is to contact the parents and let them take it from there. Parents don't want to hide their kids problems but they need to know in order to help them. Even if it is just a rumor. We need to know what our kids are going through in school to help because as you know they aren't always good at communicating with us.

Posted by: NOT SURPRISED Location: HARRISONBURG on Apr 10, 2008 at 04:28 PM
HARRISONBURG SHOULD HAVE THEIR STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS RIPPED FROM THEM. IF IT WASN'T BAD ENOUGH, THEY HAD TA PUT INTO ANOTHER DIVISION, AND NOW DOING DRUGS BEFORE A GAME. THEY MADE SURE THEY WERE GOING TO WIN NO MATTER WHAT. SURE THE COACHES KNEW ABOUT THIS, THEY PROBABLY DID IT WITH THEM. EVERYONE ALWAYS TURNS AWAY FROM A PROBLEM WHEN IT COMES TO SPORTS. IS IT WORTH IT. I DON'T THINK SO. THESE GUYS AND COACHES ARE THE ONLY ONES TO BLAME. HOPE YOU ARE PROUD OF YOURSELVES.

Posted by: Sarah Sue Location: Virginia on Apr 10, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Come on Grandma, don't blame everyone for what these kids did!! That's the problem with kids today, everyone tries to blame every bad thing they do on someone else!! Well, I take no share of the blame in what these young people did!! As for the teachers, coaches, and police officers, well they are just that - teachers, coaches, and police officers - not PARENTS!! Come on parents, step up to the plate and accept your responsibility in all of this. So don't be so hard on the coaches or teachers or even the police officiers. They didn't give birth to those kids and "parenting" isn't in their job description!!

Posted by: HHS Student Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Yea, why are the kids who came clean getting punished? Their names are all over the news, the internet, and now they're facing disciplinary action because they TOLD THE TRUTH. If the community wants to reinforce positive values in area youth, then go after the investigators and WHSV for releasing these kids names, not the amazing teachers, coaches, and administration at HHS. HHS is a great school, it has NOT gone downhill as WHSV and others, especially people on this message board are making it seem. Punish those who committed crimes, stop the yellow journalism, stop broadcasting from our school parking lot while we're holding classes, and start practicing some responsible police work. We love our school and don't want honest students getting in trouble or HHS looking bad for no reason other than the conduct of a few kids. WE BELIEVE, GO BLUE STREAKS!

Posted by: HHS Student Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 03:13 PM
I think it's absolutely rediculous that the boys who went to court and TOLD THE TRUTH are getting punished for just that. So many people on the football team have been doing things like this for years, and just because a few people decide to be honest, they get punished? I agree that they shouldn't have made those poor decisions, but everyone makes mistakes. Some of the boys didn't even know that they were taking a prescription painkiller at the time, they just thought it was a painkiller in general. And when they went to court, they were told that nothing they said could get them into trouble. Obviously that wasn't true, because now their names are being broadcasted on the news - how incredibly embarassing for them. Do the boys who told the truth really deserve the same punishment as Ronnell or even Alex? Because as of right now, that's exactly what they're getting. I guess this is a great way to show kids that honesty isn't always the best policy... Great job.

Posted by: SHOCK Location: HBURG on Apr 10, 2008 at 03:08 PM
RE: I'M with you Kim E on the fact that these kids names were released to the media. This should not have happened! I know all kids listed and i can tell everyone that these are great kids that made bad judgements. Like the kids listed, the grand jury or task force needs to be held accountable for leaving the kids names that were juveniles on the affidavit. Legal action needs to be taken. Talk to a laywer on this Kim.

Posted by: bluestreak Location: hhs on Apr 10, 2008 at 02:46 PM
this is absolutely rediculous. The amount of attention that is being put on hhs is not only degrading the school as a whole but interupting with the hhs environment. It is not necessary for whsv to be standing outside the school during school hours broadcasting stories on the latest scandal. These boys and coaches, did something unacceptable, and as a result they will get what they deserve. But lets stop pointing fingers and give these guys the support they need right now. immagine how scared and helpless they must feel being teenagers and having thier whole world turned upside down. someone needs to stand up and get the media out of HHS, they've already done enough. In noway should the names of the players been released. And as for others bashing hhs, this is a great school and we have many people dedicated to keep it that way so lets not judge by something that has happened. things like this are common in highschools and athletic programs, just do a google search.

Posted by: HHS STUDENT Location: HARRISONBURG on Apr 10, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Listing minors name on television an through out this whole mess, is ILLEGAL. They are not 18.How can these police tell these kids there going to have a [closed] door hearing an then put there names and EVERYTHING they say out for the whole city to knw.This is ridiculous.Way more illegal acts happin in harrisonburg an the school its self than this.It takes something so serious for the police to acually WAKE UP an do their job!The media is Ruining these boys,People need to stop passing the blame and own up to what really happend.I think the police are to blame,They honestly need to wake up and DO their JOB.As in RUSH!! I mean seriously,The top man of the police department is just now findin&cracking down on somthing from almost 2 years ago!! An thats who we depend on for safety? No,These police HARASS kids and ocuse them of being in gangs for wearing simple colors.Personally the school board, police and harrisonburg its self is PATHETIC. I dnt even claim HHS anymore.

Posted by: HHS parent Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 02:18 PM
To all the people who are putting down HHS and everyone associated with HHS. Just remember that there are hundreds of other students, teachers, coaches and faculty members besides the ones who have been mentioned in the investigation. Many of those are honest, law-abiding people. If those involved in the investigation are guilty, than they should be punished. But, please don't punish the rest with your rude comments. Please keep this in mind before making nasty remarks.

Posted by: Former HHS student Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:52 PM
At a time when HHS students and faculty need the support and understanding of their community the most, its a shame to see what lack of support and understanding is being offered. These are high school students here, just about to get on their feet and run in life. They are not malicious, evil, criminals. We are students, we need to be taught by our community, showed the way by people who care, and mentored by those who've lived longer. Those who have a quick bad word to throw in without the right knowledge should take a step back. Your ridicule is not needed. To all those at HHS: keep your head up.

Posted by: HHS1989 Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:49 PM
To WHSV CW--are you serious? Why is all the fault being placed on a hard working group of police officers and NOT on those wrong doers? I'm sure Sgt. Rush has a great sense of humor and will enjoy reading such frivolous, ridiculous and quite frankly unintelligent comments with a smile on his face!

Posted by: KimE Location: here on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Somebody needs to answer the question about whether it is even legal for the media to publish the names of the children who stepped up to the plate and told the truth when questioned. I am not condoning the use of prescription drugs in this manner, but these children were told that they were attending a closed door hearing and they told the truth and now their names are on the internet and the tv for the whole world to see and condemn. I mean really, we have all made mistakes in our live. So a kid used bad judgement once or twice and owned up to it (even though not being charged with anything) may suffer not being accepted into a good college because of this blemish that was published on the internet. It's sad and it's wrong.

Posted by: WHSV CW Location: *puffs chest* The Shenanadoah Valley! on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:00 PM
I think that this "developing story" is nothing but a bunch of adults having nothing else to do. Like the fact that the "gang force" is the one who initiated the whole thing. Rush needs to find a real job or go to a place that actually has dangerous "gang" activity.

Posted by: Grandma Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:39 PM
This is a different world. Who is to blame? We all are. What happened to morals, discipline, respect, responsibility? I feel sorry for these kids, we have all let them down.

Posted by: Michael J Riordan Location: Washington, DC on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:12 PM
As a former student athlete at Harrisonburg High School it is painful to read this article and see quality coaches and quality people like Tim Sarver, Jay Hook and Joe Carico appearing in this article and investigation as though they were complicit in this crime. This is not a win at all costs school like the movie Friday Night Lights despite what many may imagine reading these sensationalized articles and police reports. To those from surrounding schools looking to be negative towards HHS or to those that have an agenda against athletics in general, I’m sure this article gives you great pleasure. It’s obvious you have your swords drawn and are ready to pounce. It is good to know there are so many of you out there that are perfect parents and have raised perfect kids and bat 100% in your decision making even if you don’t have all necessary information at your disposal. Kids make mistakes, and in this case some kids made some serious mistakes and consequences will be suffered. I have made mistakes, your kids have made mistakes, and their kids will make mistakes. Life is too short to attempt to blame someone for everything that happens. Growing up as much as I loved the idea of getting into coaching I thought way too often it was a thankless job. Some of the rewards are low pay and second guessing by every wannabe coach/parent out there. These coaches do it because they love the game and most importantly they love the kids. For every kid who makes a mistake, there are countless others who have been positively affected by these coaches. Reputations of men whose only crime is wanting to do the right thing have been tarnished no matter how this plays out and as a result we are all a little worse off today. Michael Riordan HHS ‘99

Posted by: melissa Location: broadway on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Don't blame the coaches or staff at HHS?! It's true we can't control children's behavior, but we can stop it!! As if NO ADULT at the school had heard of rumors of drugs & violence?! I thought there was a "No tolerance policy" at ALL schools!! Has the authority figures become so worried about championships & SOL scores, that they could care less about violence and drugs in our schools?? And as adults, we sit back and wonder what's wrong w/ kids today?! If adults are going to turn a blind eye on childrens bad/illegal behavior, the children will not learn morals!! And, we are the parents in this?! Are we to believe they NEVER suspected their children of using or dealing drugs!! Has everyone forgotten that the parents have to hold some responsiblity in this matter too!! The press wants to put it all the blame on the staff at HHS. When was it that parenting was up to the teachers and not the parents?! Yes, it does take a village to raise children. When did it become "parents don't parent"!!

Posted by: HHS Student Location: HHS on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Don't think that just becasue a group of football players are getting into trouble for drugs, that everyone at HHS walks around high and robbing people. Some people below me stated that "We Believe" is no longer upheld at HHS and that HHS has sunk to medocrity--which HHS are you talking about? It is the way this whole thing has come that has caused people to assume that HHS is a terrible school, HHS is probably the best high school in the area. We have high academic standards, being home numerous awards and recognitions in all types of competitions, and send many students on to great schools and to do great things. A few of these boys made mistakes and should be punished harshly, but this type of thing happens at many schools. WHSV please please stop making HHS look so bad. Most students still love our school--GO BLUE STREAKS.

Posted by: former hhs student 2O07 Location: Miami. Florida on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I would get all the kids on athletic teams talking because this is just the tip of the iceberg at HHS.

Posted by: HHS Teacher on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:53 AM
As a teacher at HHS I am appalled by fellow staff members calling for Mrs. Reynolds and these coaches to be fired. Don't we believe in the concept of innocent until proven guilty? We teach (or at least I do) our students to use logic and reason and not rush to judgments about others. If you were wrongly accused by a student of something wouldn't you want a proper investigation? We are supposed to be the adults here, some of these comments sound like they are coming from students, not educated people who should set a better example. We are not supposed to make comments to the media. It is frustrating that these coaches cannot talk to the media and defend their reputations. Why can't the news focus on the good that we do at HHS and at schools in general? We need to stop placing blame and pointing fingers until we really know what is going on. It would be horrible to fire these coaches and then find out they were telling the truth, the damage would already be done.

Posted by: wendy Location: SHS on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:52 AM
This reminds me of a movie "varsity blues" too bad HHS didn't have a "johnny mox" as a role model to help these boys, it is a shame that the W was more important than the problems of players that could impact the rest of their lives. My son has been in the SHS program for 5 yrs and i haven't always agreed with some coaching decisions, but i can be sure my son had learned integrity in doing the right thing on and off the field from these men, thanks to SHS coaches. To the players at HHS please learn from your mistakes and change lifestyles, i know some of these kids and know they can turn their lives around with the help of moral adults! We are all to blame for the way athletes act and think they are above the law, don't ignore their problems help them fix them if you can and love them. No adult or parent should forget what it was like to live as a teen. TALK TO THEM > they will listen.

Posted by: streak football mom Location: 22801 on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:50 AM
The other players on the team -- the ones who are stars and who get all the field time -- should thank their fellow players involved in this. Now maybe they'll have a chance to show their stuff. And to the person who said "free Alex, he's not guilty" -- from the report and search warrant, it sounds like he has admitted to being part of the robbery, so how is he not guilty? Unfortunately, we all know how deals are cut and one of the group will probably take the others down with him and come out with some form of immunity. I'm waiting to hear about the O'Baugh case, who knows how many other car dealers/sales people they will take down with them -- who do you think those two were selling their drugs to?

Posted by: m.d. Location: broadway on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Unfortunately, this is part of todays society. And yes, it happens ALOT in the Shen. valley. The mass population in this area still believe it's the days of The Beaver & Wally. Rockingham County is & has been a meca for drug abuse (illegal & prescription) & the violence that follows. I can't believe that people are in shock about high school athletes involved in illegal behavior. 20 yrs ago, when I was in a local school, the athletes were known for underage drinking & pot smoking- but since we were the "elite", it was "over-looked" by teachers, principals, coaches & yes, the local/town police. My question is for the police & press. What ever happened to not releasing the names of minors? And, if the matter is still being investigated, why are ANY names being released? The individuals that are coming forward w/ information (even if they are not minors), have to attend school with the accused that may impose a threat to their safety & well-being. Other stories prove violence has been used

Posted by: HHS Class Of '08 Location: HHS on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I'd like to thank all the HHS Students (espically the seniors) who are getting on here. HHS may not be snow white but we all know the people who are affected. Some way or another we all are affected by this. To all the people who are saying to fire the coaches; have any of you ever met these men? If you knew someone and they were in this posistion would you still be willing to say that? As for the students, yes..they know they made some huge mistakes and yes they deserve what they get but do you have to prodcast it from the top of the moutain? Blue to the end, streaks forever.

Posted by: Re: We Believe on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:35 AM
That isn't the slogan "Don't ask, don't tell" is.

Posted by: Another teacher Location: harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Don't blame the coaches?? Give me a break . Fire them. The kids don't need this and neither do we as faculty members. Its correct to not blame the total school for the actions of a few. But the few students and adults involved must pay for this disrespect of everything this school tries to do. The kids deserve better and deserve an example of why misbehavior and illegal behavior holds consequences.

Posted by: HHS PARENT Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Maybe it is time to get some new coaches at HHS. This could not happen if the coaches did not permit it. What else are they covering for?

Posted by: Gotti Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:25 AM
where is the HPD resource officer who works there in all of this? I think that HHS has been out of control for some time. I went there years ago when we were a dominant academic school with great athletics. Now it is almost a joke. Our local school board, city council, upper tiers of the administration in Harrisonburg should be shown the door. Far too long have we been mediocre.

Posted by: anonymous Location: west virginia on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:51 AM
To the parents of the kids involved in the prescription drug issue at HHS, I feel your pain. My son was sent to a juvenile facility 4 months ago for having prescription drugs in his locker. I had no knowladge of the investigation that had been going on in the school for weeks. I was in a parent teacher meeting a week before this all went down. I was told my son was doing well with his behavior. No one bothered to tell me the his name was on a list of so called gang members. The schools needs to put more time into teaching students about the drug problems of today and help them to understand the circumcises that go along with such crimes. My son is 15 years old and i miss him vary much. I fell that if school personnel would have communicated with me I could have spoke with my son about the matters that were going on in school. Parents don't blam yourself. this could happen to anyone that has posted a comment on this website. good luck with the legal system.

Posted by: WE BELIEVE Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:46 AM
As a 2005 HHS Grad. I am NOT surprised at the actions of the students. I am however taken by the fact the the coaches knew about what was going on and did nothing about it! If they knew about prescription drugs being used, and did not say anything does that mean they would hide the fact that students would use other illegal subtances? It makes you wonder.In School I was so proud by our slogan "WE BELIEVE" It ment a higher standard that the facilty and student body believed in something greater for everyone. For ourselves and our school, to strive for the best. Its a shame that for years HHS as a whole has forgetten this simple frase "We Believe". One last thought... Where have the parents been? I know that everyone has the right to make there own decisons but parents are resposible to teach there children morals and right from wrong.

Posted by: HHS SCA President Location: HHS on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:44 AM
In response to some earlier posts: Mrs. Reynolds is an EXCELLENT principle. She knows how to respectfully and properly deal with students, staff, and the powers above her, do not place any blame on her. Someone claimed that Coach Sarver's son, Ben Sarver, the former starting quarterback also used painkillers. I knew Ben and would stake my life on the fact that he did not use drugs, but whether he did or not, please do not make claims which you have no basis for.

Posted by: HHS SCA President Location: HHS on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:39 AM
First off, let's hold off blaming the coaches until we have more information--these coaches are good men and I don't believe they would have simply turned a blind eye. Second, do not let the misconduct of a few football players tarnish the reputation of the whole football program, the HHS athletic department, or HHS in general. HHS is a great school and most of the students here love it and are loyal to it. Third, there are some major issues with the investigation and reporting going on. Some of the students whose names were released in the affidavit had been promised that if they testified their names would not be released, that even their parents wouldn't know--the investigators must be held accountable for that. Also, WHSV makes it sound like the investigators stated that 40% of the football team was using the drugs when in reality that was a statement made by one of the players, as an estimate, and should not be used as reliable information.

Posted by: concerned citizen and parent Location: rockingham county on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:33 AM
it is about time HHS stops giving alot of their students the wrong impression that unlawful and immoral acts are ok in life, this school is the only one in the area that has a day care for their teenage mothers, for the babies that is great but what kind of message does this send to teens? as a society we all need to get back to moral issues and teach and follow, children learn by example

Posted by: Jose Garcia Location: Spotswood on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Free Alex. He is not guilty. I know him.

Posted by: Concerned Father Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I have several kids in HHS. This is indicative of the admin's "ostrich" policy. There have been reports of drugs, weapons, and fights on buses-I know, I have reported them. There are places in the new building where the "good kids" won't go, according to my kids. In all cases there has been minimal reaction by the admin. And judging the younger grades (I have a child there too), this is the beginning of a problem time. How bad it gets and how long it lasts will be determined by whether the admin (from school board on down) is proactive (seeking problems out) or continues their reactive policies which seem to just try to avoid confrontation and publicity.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: HHS on Apr 10, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Teachers work long hours for little glory; coaches work even more. Most teachers I know teach/coach because they love the students and want to help them. We hear a lot of things in school. We are expected to teach content, keep the students safe, and maintain classroom discipline. In a high school environment rumors are rampant. It is difficult to know what is true and what is not. These coaches/teachers heard rumors. They questioned the students involved and made every effort to get to the bottom of the matter. Our hands are tied at the school level; we can't accuse a student of something without proof. If the coaches didn't have proof that anything was happening, they couldn't do anything. It is wrong to assume that these coaches knew what was going on and just decided not to do anything about it. They do the best they can with the resources that they have. Why not focus more on the vast majority of students they have helped, not these few who messed up.

Posted by: Make Great Choices Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Students at HHS: We care about you! We want you to succeed! We try to give you opportunities to do so. We encourage you to make great decisions for yourself and for the people around you. We punish you when your your choices are immature and hurtful and praise you when you can overcome yourself and act like the adult that we know is inside of you. This situation, like others before it, is sad. It hurts to watch our young women and men make choices that can hurt themselves and each other. What can YOU do to make this situation positive? LEARN FROM IT!! If the voice in your head questions the choice ...it's not a good one. If you ask yourself whether you should...you shouldn't. LEARN FROM YOUR PEERS!! You will reap the benefits if you can learn to MAKE GREAT CHOICES!! It is HARD to do that sometimes, but in the end, the choices you make DEFINE WHO YOU ARE! Care about yourself as much as this community cares about you! YOU ARE INCREDIBLE...now go and challenge yourself to be.

Posted by: Brenda Location: Rockingham County on Apr 10, 2008 at 09:17 AM
When a teacher, coach or administrator have been informed of possible illegal activity, on or off school property, they need to report that to local police. It is not their job to conduct their own internal investigation.

Posted by: HHS Student '08 Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Regarding the accusations about the coaches attempts to "hush up" the players drug abuse, it is absolutely absurd that people would stoop that low to blame the coaching staff for a crime that they neither committed or knew about. It's high school people so it's extremely difficult to take anything you hear in the halls of HHS, or any school for that matter, to heart. You can't automatically assume that every rumor is true because that's how things get started. I realize that the coaches did hear rumors of the accusations of their players but they are people too and I would love to know what anyone else would do in that same situation...would you take everything you hear about one of your players and take it to the administration...face a long inquiry on something that might be true. It's a difficult call to make and I don't think it's fair that the society is putting a large amount of blame on the coaching staff.

Posted by: HHS Student Location: HHS on Apr 10, 2008 at 08:52 AM
I'd just like to give some Kudos to WHSV and Daily News Record for their amazing reporting. Even though there has been plenty of amazing things happening at HHS you somehow find the ONE thing that spreads a bad light on the school and of course, you run with it. Why in the world are you all so intent on racking these people through the mud? Come one guys, do some REAL reporting. Also, to all the parents who are astonished at the conduct and actions of students at HHS. Do you all forget an incident oh..about 20 years ago? HHS has never been perfect and has never been a school-without-scandal.

Posted by: Joe Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 08:48 AM
No, it is not the coaches' fault the kids are acting like they are. But.... as a teacher, don't they sign a contract saying that if they hear of some type of drug use, or criminal offense, they are to report it to officals. Everybody is crying about teachers have too much to do, so why add crime investigation to there countless job tasks.

Posted by: Wallace Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Just wondering, how is it that WHSV can run this story and the ballplayers in question are minors? (under 18) I thought that was illegal.

Posted by: Not Important Location: SHS on Apr 10, 2008 at 08:40 AM
I think that they should remove all awards and all the coaches envolved because its not fair or acceptable! They beat my football team and its definitley a factor when your star running back returns after not being able to even walk off the field and then returns in the second have to score the winnog touchdown! We can't get back the feeling of our deserved win, so they should be punished! We don't want teams in the Massanutten District to have a bad reputation. Stuff like this is unexceptible for any school anywhere!!!!!

Posted by: HHS teacher Location: harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 08:02 AM
I'm not agreeing with the sentiment that it happens everywhere so stop picking on HHS. I for one believe the students where using the drugs and the coaches looked the other way because it was convenient to do so. WE need to examine the priority we put into our athletic programs. Start by suspending the football program for one season to show you really take this seriously . Now that would send the right message!!

Posted by: HHS Football Player on Apr 10, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Coach Sarver does everything he can for us. He is like a father to me. If he knew that anything like this was going on in the locker room he would have stopped it immediatly no matter who the player was. All the other coaches and administraters would have done the same thing. At HHS we are a family and we will stick together and get through this one day at a time and still have a great year of football no matter what happens to the people involved. And a message to the people involved I love you guys like family, stay strong, and stick together and we will be ok.

Posted by: For crying out loud Location: Rockingham County on Apr 10, 2008 at 07:45 AM
I'm sure if one of the coach's cars had been hit in the parking lot they would have called the police, but drugs and robbery just aren't that big of a deal. The only people that ruined these kids' lives are the kids themselves. They are old enough to know right from wrong. By laying the blame elsewhere people are compounding the problem. If people had personal responsibility they would make better decisions. As it is now, they are taught to find someone else to blame when they get in trouble. Who can blame them for continuing to act out? They don't have to worry about consequences at all.

Posted by: Wow Location: Rockingham County on Apr 10, 2008 at 07:34 AM
First of all, to the people who feel the need to attack the grammar/spelling in the affidavit: PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE THE REASON THINGS LIKE THIS HAPPEN!!! Are you missing the part where these kids were using illegal drugs and robbing people? Way to shift the focus. Second: The police aren't mind readers. Crimes have to be reported before they can investigate them. Sgt. Rush doesn't expect teachers/coaches to investigate crimes. They do, however, need to report them. It is their responsibility to the kids they are responsible for while they are at school. Third: If a teacher/coach was approached repeatedly about the suspicion that my child was using/selling drugs and I wasn't informed of it, heads would roll. HHS has a history of trying to cover up crimes. I guess they are afraid of looking bad. I would have a lot more respect for the administration if they would admit their problems and work on them.

Posted by: HHS1989 Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 07:27 AM
I applaud the efforts of Sgt. Rush and his Gang Unit. The administration and coaching staff should be ashamed of themselves for enabling this sort of thing. Rumor vs. Reality--that is NOT for a coach to decide. That's the job of the resource officer. Nice try! I used to be very proud of the school that I am an alumnus of--now, I wouldn't send my child there for anything. Obviously not all of the students are bad--there are good and bad kids in EVERY school. The media has been very clear that this was a football/coaching staff issue so stop the "making the whole school look bad" crap. From guns in the locker room to juicing before football games and dirty coaches--Mrs. Reynolds you better start doing your job! To all Harrisonburg residents--those of you who are casting stones today need to get your heads out of the sand! The truth hurts so they say! To Sgt. Rush and the CHARGE Gang Unit---good job and good for you!

Posted by: Parent on Apr 10, 2008 at 07:15 AM
I keep reading teachers say "blame the parent, why don't they know" - It's not our job! Our job is thankless and doesn't pay well." It is your job to protect our kids while in your hands. There are behaviors you may see in our kids that we don't at home because they act differently around their peers. If your job is thankless and you don't get enough pay - get another job. You chose to work with kids, this is all part of it. If I heard a teacher say that to me, we would be on the way to the Admin's office, if you are not taking care or looking out for my kid while he's at school - who is? How can parents know and do everything? If a parent was aware of a problem and ignored it, that would be reason to blame the parent. Kids are good at hiding things and the point here TEACHERS is: If the coaches knew and ignored the facts - they should be fired. It is their job and their responsibility. Teachers stop defending the wrongdoing's of your co-workers. This makes you part of the problem.

Posted by: Citizen Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 07:13 AM
I find it interesting that this activity has been ongoing since 2006. Where was the Harrisonburg Police School Resource Officer assigned to HHS? Did this police officer also hear these "rumors" and do nothing? If she did, is negligent for failing to investigate these allegations? Why has a "Gang Task Force" investigator to become involved? Should we assume that these football players are also involved in gang related activity? I don't think that blame should be placed entirely on school administration and coaches.

Posted by: Scott Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 06:45 AM
I don't understand why people think its no big deal, or why is the media making such a big deal out of this. Wake up people !! I also cannot believe that adults and teachers are blaming the police and Sgt. Rush. I guess no one remembers VT and NI in the not so distant past. So its not the teachers or coaches job to do something about illegal activity at the school? Its not their job to be investigators? How about being responsible? Should we entrust the teachers and coaches with our children and not expect them to be responsible with our kids? I seriously cannot believe the mentality of the posts of some of the adults on here. I respect the post about catching a punt more than the mindless quibble about not the coaches and teachers responsibility and how its Chris Rush's fault this happened. UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Posted by: Faye Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 06:21 AM
I really think that it's ashame that HHS can't take the loss from TA. That was a fair game and TA won. I think it's very poor of HHS to have to find something to blame their loss on. I'm an alumni of HHS and I'm very disappointed in this statement from HHS. I was at that game.

Posted by: BlueTrue Location: Harrisonburg on Apr 10, 2008 at 06:12 AM
Marci, I'm a parent of an HHS football player so if anyone has a claim on being a concerned parent in this situation, it's me. As such, I don't feel that Coach Sarver has let me, my son, or this team down. The kid who dealt the drugs and the kids who took them let us down, but the coaches did not. They checked in to it and rightly chose not to call the police over something that appeared to be a rumor.

Posted by: Concerned Location: Rockingham Co. on Apr 10, 2008 at 05:53 AM
I plead with everyone reading this to look at the bigger picture, I plead with every parent/coach/administrator/police officer to ask each athlete if they have taken anything illegal during their "season" of sports play. I think you will find that there are many many many teenagers who have taken something that is not "approved" for sports play. I hope this story inspires some constructive discussions among our young people and the adults who work with them. In this wonderful "perfect" world, we have parents who "sponsor" alcohol parties for their own children, we have adults who are very aware of activities that should not be taking