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Updated: 12:23 PM Apr 10, 2008
Harrisonburg High School Investigation
Harrisonburg, Va. Some members of the Harrisonburg High School football team are accused of armed robbery and distributing prescription pain pills, and the police allege some of the coaches knew about it. Posted: 4:12 PM Apr 9, 2008Reporter: Kelly Creswell & Ed Reams |
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Posted by: anonhymous
on Apr 11, 2008 at 03:15 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 01:02 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 09:32 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 08:21 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 08:10 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 05:39 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 11, 2008 at 12:07 AM
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 11:50 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 11:47 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 11:34 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 10:42 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 10:22 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 09:37 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 08:55 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 08:35 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 08:08 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 07:53 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 07:39 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 07:35 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 07:11 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 06:49 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 06:42 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 06:40 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 06:37 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 06:29 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 06:27 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 06:22 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 05:58 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 05:54 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 05:28 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 05:10 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 05:04 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 04:13 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 04:08 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 03:46 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 03:31 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 03:18 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 02:52 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 02:49 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 02:28 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 02:00 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 01:39 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 01:12 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 01:11 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 12:56 PM
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 12:56 PM
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 12:53 PM
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 12:52 PM
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 12:50 PM
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 12:41 PM
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 12:41 PM
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 12:35 PM
That isn't the slogan "Don't ask, don't tell" is.
Posted by: Another teacher
Location: harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:33 PM
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 12:32 PM
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 12:25 PM
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 11:51 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 11:46 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 11:44 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 11:39 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 11:33 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 11:03 AM
Free Alex. He is not guilty. I know him.
Posted by: Concerned Father
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:02 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 10:40 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 10:21 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 10:17 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 10:16 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 09:52 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 09:48 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 09:44 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 09:40 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 09:02 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 08:47 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 08:45 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 08:34 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 08:27 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 08:15 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 08:13 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 07:45 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 07:21 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 07:12 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 06:53 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 place...WAKE UP PEOPLE...THIS IS IN EVERY SCHOOL!!!!!! PRIVATE AND PUBLIC!!!! Celebrate when students do what they should, re-act when they have gone down the wrong path, but most importantly, be proactive and help guide young people to make the right decisions! Think before you condemn HHS...you might have a "guilty" party living in your own house!
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 06:39 AM
To the "teacher" who wants to go after the officer for a couple "English mistakes" and stating he could use him time more wisely taking an English class is a fine example of what they are saying these coaches did ignore what is going on. By the way they (this teacher post) misspelled the player's name. I'll admit right now I am not a perfect speller or in written expression but I don't throw out stones trying to discredit a police officer come on people how can this be his fault. He is doing his job like the coaches should have and this probably wouldn't have been so big a deal, it the looking the other way of the coaches that has this story exploding into the news. We trust our children to these coaches/teachers. They failed us..
Posted by: HHS Alumni
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 03:31 AM
As a former football player for HHS, I can guarantee that this has gone on for a long time. Star football players (I should know, I was one) walk on water around that place. I'm not saying that we were using drugs for gain on the field, but the coaches definitely turned a blind eye when they found out we were doing something wrong. Their philosophy was that if it didn't hurt our performance on the field, and we didn't get caught, it wasn't their business. Coach Sarver had horrible morals back then, and it's clear that he will never change. He should resign, the students should suffer the consequences for selling drugs on school property, and everyone involved should be ashamed. It is both maddening and disappointing to see how the actions of a few have tarnished the reputation that so many worked so hard to build. I just hope that the school can bounce back from this.
Posted by: Blue Streak
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 02:00 AM
HHS is a great school, with a great faculty and athletic program. Let's not blame the coaches until we have all the facts--these coaches are great men who do not 'do whatever it takes to win no matter what' as some have claimed. These kids made horrible mistakes, but please try to remember that there are dozens of other excellent players on this team, some of them also upcoming prospects, who all deserve better than this coverage. WHSV should not be publishing names, but more importantly they should not be showing HHS is such a biased, negative light. Harrisonburg is home to one of the best high schools in the state of Virginia, don't forget that. Blue Streak pride.
Posted by: Parent
Location: Harisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:32 AM
As a parent of an HHS grad, I must say that this is upsetting. My daughter had the very best of everything at HHS. Coaching, teaching, mentors, friends etc. This is not the HHS norm. The staff is excellent. She had opportunities there that prepared her for college, life-long competitive sports participation and a solid career. HHS has not changed. Don't let a few problem students make anyone think HHS is anything but the best. Coaches and all!
Posted by: teacher
Location: Augusta County
on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:28 AM
As a teacher I can tell you that usually it is the teachers (coaches/staff) that are the last to find out anything. Why? We want to think the best of every student. If we listened, believed and reported all the rumors we hear, we would not have any time left for teaching.
Posted by: Spanky08
Location: H'burg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:25 AM
Back off! Everyone is acting like they are nutburgers! They will have their day in trial but I hope they opt for a judge as jury and not a "jury of their peers". I am not saying that they are guilty or innocent; I am just saying stop pointing fingers and talking smack! I graduated from HHS in 1991. I know Hook personally and coach Sarver used to harass me to death in his history class! I am truly not partial to anyone but I do think that everyone is always so quick to judge and run their mouth! Hey, these kids...KIDS have a problem with drugs and decision making! We need to help them and stop hating on them so much! Also, don't believe EVERY SINGLE THING IN THE NEWS! They do what they can but they are a business too! They want to sell the news and we as a society love to watch someone crash and burn...RIGHT! When you think about these teenagers think about your own kids and maybe to all the dumb things that you did as a young adult! YOU SET AN EXAMPLE AND DON'T BELEIVE THE HYPE,SUCKERS
Posted by: Up all night
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:19 AM
This won't be solved tonight- or online ever. I just hate the thought of ruining the careers of good teachers and coaches. Maybe in the morning, people will be thinking more clearly.
Posted by: fan
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:16 AM
I know coaches Sarver, Hook, Long and Grefe (Rush spelled this wrong too) and have know each for years. Hook, Long and Grefe are all HHS grads. Sarver has won more coaching awards than anyone I know. These are good people and I have confidence in them. Let's not try them in the court of public opinion. It is not fair. They should not be the target. The guilty students are the problem. Please, show some compassion!!!!!
Posted by: Concerned
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:12 AM
I know Chris Rush is on the Gang Task Force. Is this a gang issue? I know the coaches are not part of that and do not endorse any type of gang activity.
Posted by: Marci
Location: Rockingham Cnty
on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:10 AM
I have to admit, similiar events have occured in every county school. Maybe together we can find a solution. If we don't only our children will suffer.
Posted by: Slimbunny
Location: Harrisonburgbla
on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:09 AM
I am a bit confused! Everyone is blaming the police and the faculty for these kids behavior. I feel like these young adults are responsible for their behavior and moreover their parents should have a better handle on their kids! Now everyone have these people guilty and hung before the trial even starts, I think that is in poor taste but I guess everyone has their rights to add their 2 cents, right? I hope that everyone out there realizes that the news only shows what the police give them! ONESIDE! The defendants have to keep their mouths shut to protect their rights. Until you have walked a mile in their shoes (teachers) keep you mouths shut! Most of you opinionated "mothers and fathers" out there can't even keep a handle on your own few kid you gave birth to...do you know where your kids are all of the time? Ha don't fool yourself! Now try to maintain hundreds of other peoples children! So self righteous! Probably "christian folk" too! Yeeha! Give them a break...give them a fair trial
Posted by: Golden Girl
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:08 AM
Nothing really changes over time. Kids make mistakes. They will never learn from their mistakes if people try to place the blame on others. Kids won't learn this way. It was the same 50 years ago. Let's help our kids learn from their mistakes. Instead of crucifying the coaches we need to thank them for the hours they spend and the discipline they instill.
Posted by: MJ
Location: Dayton
on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:04 AM
I have never see so many postings on any subject. That means this community cares. We care about our schools. We care about our kids. We want drugs and criminals out of our schools. We don't need to sacrifice good teachers and coaches to do that. The blame is not with them. I hope we can all learn from this and discover what is the role of schools and what is the role of the police. This should not be a gray area. Teachers have their roles and the police have theirs. Let's not confuse the two.
Posted by: GB
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Too many lives can be destroyed by this. Let's be careful. Sarver has given most of his adult life to teaching and coaching. Long is newer, younger- but just as dedicated. He works with some of our neediest youth and loves it. Hook is in the middle. Both Hook and Long are also HHS grads. What does that say that they wanted to come back and teach at HHS? They love HHS and would not do anything to hurt the school, their team or either's reputation. Please don't hurt these great guys. They love HHS and we love them. I mean it LOVE.
Posted by: Eyes Open
Location: The Burg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:54 AM
Maybe we can all see the writing on the wall now- there are problems! They are not just HHS problems. Let's not make coaches the scapegoats. Heaven forbid that the guilty and their parents are held accountable. It is cowardly to blame the teachers/coaches. God bless anyone willing to work in high schools today. They are priceless. I appreciate the tough job of the HPD and respect Chief Harper. Let's not blame HPD either. Put the blame where it should be---wouldn't that be a change!! It is not the coaches nor the HPD, it it the guilty kids! Not all of them- just the 3 that make the 99.99% look bad.
Posted by: marcilover
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Marci? is it? is that a cover for marsha garst? yeah, well guess what? Everyone already knows what you think. Everyone knows you'd love to see HHS fall.
Posted by: Marci
Location: Rockingham Cnty
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:29 AM
I don't see anyone here who is "excited" about this situation. I see a lot of concern and fear. I believe most of us here are parents who are troubled to think that the people we entrust our children with would let us down. I think it's an eye opener for most of us.
Posted by: HHS Teacher
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:27 AM
Once I had a parent come to me and ask why I had not told her that her son was on drugs. I never knew! Why didn't she know? Why was it my responsibility? He turned out to be a huge dealer who abused his girlfried and was a cutter(self- inflicted injuries). It is easy for me to believe that these coaches did not know. Give them a break. Punish the guilty kids. We don't need them in our school.
Posted by: HHS FOOTBALL PLAYER
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:23 AM
Alex Owah is our star running back. When we played Turner Ashby Alex did not practice all week. The only reason he started is because he is our star Running Back. I'd like to see some of you try and catch one of TA's kickers Punts without practice for a whole week.
Posted by: HHS4433256
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:23 AM
So I think it's humerous that everyone is relating this incident to the entire school of HHS. Just because this came out and it has to do with HHS students doesn't mean it doesn't occur at the other schools in this area or all over Virginia for that matter. Last time I checked I wasn't doing drugs, my friends don't do drugs and not everyone at my school does. So if you're going to blame my entire school get some proof. :)
Posted by: logical
Location: Bridgewater
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Let's be reasonable. Punish the guilty- the students involved. If we want teachers and coaches to listen and tell- let's make that clear to them that they have one more thing to do in an already thankless job. Don't blame teachers/coaches blame the students and if they are minors- blame the parents too. Legally THEY are responsible- not the school staff. Let's be reasonable!!!!
Posted by: HHS Student
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:18 AM
These Student/Athletes/Peers/Friends/Brothers/Teamates/Coaches/Teachers are being punished why does it seem that they arent? All of Harrisonburg High School will be affected by this. Some of you act as if you have never heard of things going on in High School like this well maybe you should wake up and smell the Coffee. Show me someone that has never done anything Illegal wheter or not you got away with it. Mistakes are mistakes and everyone makes them. NOBODY IS PERFECT. Get over the fact that a few people got caught. No one wants to be a snitch or a tattle tale. We all know it is the right thing to do to tell an adult or someone with some authority but its not that easy. As many have said it HAS been going on for years! And still is. Say what you want but we all know that its a BIG mistake and there is noway to change it.
Posted by: BlueTrue
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:11 AM
I'm sure that just about every coach has heard about some of his players consuming alcohol underage at one time or another. Are they obligated to call the cops in that situation based on a rumor? Rumors fly every day and people are expecting these teachers and coaches to report every one? Sounds unrealistic to me. Also, for everyone bashing the team; you might want to know that half of the football team just got back from volunteering their spring break to serve a hurricane-damaged town in Mississippi. Where was the media and community praise for that? Nowhere. We seem a lot more excited about waiting in the wings to denigrate a program when a few kids fall.......
Posted by: HHS Student
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:10 AM
As an HHS student and athelete, I do not appreciate how the media is relating this issue to the whole image of HHS. To share only negative comments and add another incident that is not completely related to it (which I had never even heard of till now) is rediculous. I have worked with and known many people and coaches on the football team and have a great respect for them. The ones I know are honest and dedicated people. Even though I agree that football is very important to our school, they would not turn a blind eye just to have a successful football season. It is unfair to create a negative image of HHS and the whole football team just because a few people made some serious mistakes. I am tired of people who don't go to HHS judging our school and making up rumors. It makes me angry that the media and everybody else takes the actions of a few people as a reflection on the school as a whole.
Posted by: HHS Football
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Just type in "Drugs in High School" on Google and you will see its not only Harrisonburg.
Posted by: Teacher
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Rush states that "...that Alex Oway had taken to many pills before the game..." not only was the sentence a run-on and poorly punctuated, but "to" should have been spelled "too" which is an elementary school English lesson. Maybe on his next venture to HHS, Rush can use his time more wisely by joining an English class for a remedial lesson.
Posted by: a.o.
Location: hhs:)
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Hey boys, I have a question for you. How does it feel to be at the very top-and then one day you just drop down and lose everything?
Posted by: concerned parent
Location: Elkton
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:06 AM
DRUGS!!!!! Whether it be illegal or prescriptions are a major problem with our society today. And anytime an effort is made to stop this kind of behavior should not be critized by anyone. Most of the crime in the area involves drugs some way or another. We need to make a big deal and not just overlook these mistakes that our young people are making because one day they could be the 40 year old drug addict that robs and kills someone because he's never been made to pay for any of the mistakes he's ever made in his life. His parents or other family members has never made him be responsible for his actions. So he's 40, doesn't work, doesn't pay his bills, and still a drug addict. And he preys on our youth.
Posted by: Marci
Location: Rockingham Cnty
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:04 AM
I'm sorry, but you can't tell me that these coaches didn't know what was going on. It's been awhile since I was in high school, but I can clearly remember as a student being surprised about what all teachers knew about what we were doing, not only in school, but out of school. There are too many kids at school that like to talk. . .a lot.
Posted by: Are you Kidding Me???
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:00 AM
I cannot believe that we are knocking the police for trying to keep drugs away from our school. Why do we always have to blame someone else? If anyone is to blame, it's our society for putting athletes up on such a pedestal that the population looks away and forgives and forgets bad behavior and substance abuse. Kids think they are so entitled, and the parents often defend them and blame someone else. Stand up and accept responsibility! I'm ashamed that I work for a school division that would let the public continue to celebrate and emulate drug-using athletes. I'd rather see NO football than this kind of sad acceptance.
Posted by: oxycotton
Location: hhs
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:59 PM
What goes around comes around. It's about time something like this is to surface. It's incredible how many illegal actions the HHS footballs players have gotten away with in the past. This is nothing new at HHS, and I'm just thankful it finally came out.
Posted by: BHS92GOBBLERS
Location: PAGE CO
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:57 PM
THESE BOYS COMMITED CRIMES THAT THEY SHOULD BE PUNISHED FOR . THEY ARE OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG. ONE CAN ONLY HOPE THAT WHAT HAS HAPPENED HERE AT THIS SCHOOL IS NOT HAPPENING ELSE WHERE IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEMS. THESE PARENTS NEED TO STEP UP AND DEMAND ANSWERS FROM THEIR KIDS AS WELL AS THE SCHOOL BOARD. AS FOR SGT. RUSH , WHY IS HE THE ONE GETTING THE BLAME , I DONT THINK HE WAS THERE WHEN THE CRIMES WERE COMMITED WAS HE , WE NEED TO PLACE THE BLAME WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE NOT WHERE YOU THINK IT SHOULD BE , I WOULD LIKE TO BELIEVE THAT HE AS WELL AS THE REST OF OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ARE HERE TO PROTECT AND SERVE OUR COMMUNITY. MY OLDEST SON IS 10 YRS OLD HIS FAVORITE SPORT IS FOOTBALL. HE LOOKS UP TO THESE BOYS THIS IS NOT THE KIND OF ROLE MODELS I WANT FOR MY SONS .THE PLAYERS OR THE COACHES . BOTH SHOULD BE PUNISHED. THE COACHES WERE SUPPOSE TO BE THE ADULTS, WINNING IS NOT THAT IMPORTANT.THEY ALL NEED TO BE INVESTAGATED TO GET TO THE TRUTH.
Posted by: Junior
Location: Rockingham County
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:52 PM
Let the coaches coach- leave them alone. Get Rush to do his own legwork instead of trying to make teachers and coaches into part time cops. This give HPD a bad name. Good luck to Sarver, Hook and Long. They deserve better than this. I hope the school board stands behind them.
Posted by: Hhs Student '08
Location: "The Friendly City" :)
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:49 PM
I've attended Harrisonburg High School for 3 and a half years, and I'm THRILLED to graduate. I'm also quite elated to hear that the karma cloud has came over hhs. It's about time the football team gets penalized for their actions and THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. It's nothing new, nor will it ever stop.
Posted by: Vandon
Location: McGayhesville
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:49 PM
I'm a Spotswood football player and I find it to be disgusting that these kids were able to essentially cheat with the knowledge of the coaches. I have played against these kids and it is very sad that a group of athletes were allowed to think that they were above the law just because they are playing for HHS. If the coaches knew they should be fired and the kids involved should be suspended from the football team and any other sports that they may wish to participate in indefinately. I resent the comments made that everybody is doing it. Most players stay above the influence and stay away from crime. If people actually think that everybody is doing it then there should be drug testing. All I want is for the guilty to be punished and to let the innocent play.
Posted by: Blue Blue Streak
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:45 PM
HHS is the finest school in this area even dealing with high numbers of students with English as a second language, low income familes, teachers with impossible classrooms and poor compensation and budget cuts. The administration is tops- especially Mrs. Reynolds, the teachers show amazing dedication, so do the coaches. Don't let this muddy our reputation. I am proud to be a 3rd generation Streak. Teenagers will be teenagers. They will learn from their mistakes. Don't blame our coaches- they are awesome. They don't just like the players. They do a lot for all kids-they are all classroom teachers too. They work long hours with coaching and teaching and they do not have time to be the police department's investigators too. Give them a break. Don't ruin their lives.
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:44 PM
To those of you blaming the officer read the affidavit, this is not about getting the players, this is about the fact that a few coaches were told 1. players were doing drugs 2 players were involved in an armed robbery, and they did not report this at which point they broke the law it was not their place to investigate. It was their place to report it to the principal and/or superentendant who then was to report it to the police. That is why they want the records to see where the knowledge stopped. Sgt Rush could not investigate this until he was told about it and look what happened when he heard he investigated it. It was not the coaches place to decide or investigate whether it was fact or rumor, that is the job of the police but they can't investigate if they don't know about the statements
Posted by: Scott
Location: Broadway
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Saying that this "goes on at every other school" is a pathetic and lame excuse. With your logic, since it goes on "everywhere else" it is acceptable that it is (AND IT IS) taking place in YOUR high school. Backwards logic.
Posted by: staffer
Location: harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:36 PM
As a teacher, you "hear" things daily involving students' activities. Sometimes it's really clear cut when you should go to a counselor, resource officer, or an administrator to report what you've heard. Other times, not so clear. We all make the best judgements we can at the time -- maybe sometimes, being human, we err in not saying enough. Also, not every concern reported is documented in writing -- sometimes a concern is passed along to others who can bring in a student one-on-one and who knows more about who to refer a student to for help. No school system or school staff is perfect -- but I do know that the HHS staff cares for its kids and tries hard everyday to do the right thing for each of them. We are also not the first people to see these kids in their lives -- where are the parents who are supposed to be training their children up to do the right thing? Do you mean to tell me that they have no clue their kids are doing these types of things?
Posted by: Karma-Lover
Location: Harrisonburg High School
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:35 PM
In regards to the football players FINALLY getting caught for something, I'm relieved to say the least. It seems as though both faculty and students alike have turned a blind eye to the illegal proceedings of the football team for many years. I've personally witnessed several accounts in which football players SHOULD be punished, yet are treated as if they're completely innocent. It's about time the entire town stops putting these students on a pedestal and realizes that they need to be penalized for their wrongdoings. It's ABOUT time, Harrisonburg, WAKE UP AND SMELL THE OXYCONTIN!
Posted by: Anonymous
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:34 PM
We all have one common concern - the safety of our children and the community. Why would anyone bash the police officer for doing his job? Drugs mixed with handguns are a dangerous mixture. We should be counting are blessings that no one ended up dead. What kind of people pull guns on other people - bad ones! Think of what could have happened if they didn't get caught. Someone tried to make it about race on a previous post - get over it- find a better excuse. White, asian, and hispanic's are held liable for their actions too. It has nothing to do with color and all about taking responsibility. Illegal is Illegal - stop making excuses. We don't send our kids to school to get drugged, recruited into gangs, have guns pointed at their heads or an authority figure turning their head. Fire the coaches, expel the kids and hope they learned a valuable lesson and they don't repeat the same mistakes again. These kids are criminals in the making if something doesn't get done.
Posted by: Sad Streak
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:30 PM
I wonder, and I still in Harrisonburg?? Or maybe this is Salem, because it feels like Rush is on a witch hunt and his target is HHS and their coaching staff. Shame! Remember the lessons of Salem and let's end this ridiculous hysteria before we hang innocent coaches. Shame on the Harrisonburg Police Department and Chris Rush for targeting these fine men. Don't ruin their lives over such utter nonsense
Posted by: hhs student
Location: harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:29 PM
HHS is a great school with a great administration and a great athletic program, and i will stand by my school no matter what happens. Stuff like this goes on at every highschool. We are teenagers, we make mistakes all the time. Is it really necessary for WHSV to make such a big deal out of this story, at the cost of the humilation of the players and the coaches. Yes these guys made mistakes, and yes consequences are in order, but all of them are good guys just like the rest of us. This doesnt need to be made us big of a deal as its being made by media for the sake of the players and their families.
Posted by: Joan
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:24 PM
If charges are placed against the coaches that would be pathetic! Lose their jobs? Lose their teaching credential? Why not can Chris Rush for putting the blame on them? I agree with others, do we really expect teachers to be the investigators? That is Rush's job, not Sarver, Hook and Long. Why not start charging drivers who do not turn in other drivers who speed, run red lights, roll through stop signs, etc.???? My neighbor built an addition on their house without a building permit- am I required to turn them in???? My best friend gossips about a women at her job taking post-it notes home- is it my job to call Rush??? I think my uncle isn't claiming 1/2 his income according to family rumors--- are we obligated to call the IRS??? Is Rush coming after me next? That is wrong-THAT is unAmerican. Do we have to start looking over our shoulders for fear that hysteria will have everyone turning in everyone else to keep Chris Rush out of our business????
Posted by: HHS Football Player
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Rockbridge players got caught thats there mistake. Everyone makes mistakes dont put ego's or players in the mix. It takes a team to have a good season not just a a few players. That has nothing to do you all are just making up excuses to make HHS look even worse then it is. As you see teenagers will be teenagers they get curious, pressured and introduced about tnew things all the time. Maybe your child is doing something right now, not everyone's perfect.
Posted by: concern
Location: harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:20 PM
re:Marci about the shooter if he had went to hhs it would have been mention whether it happen in school or not. I have seen this time and time everytime someone gets in trouble and attended hhs it mention whether they been out of school 30 years. now back to football players I'm not condoning what has taking place. I would not want my son to be playing for someone who has him taking drugs to play. This is unfortunate and it sadden me to see that our school and not just hhs; want to win the county school. Apparently that was baseball because I know or should I heard of incidents that has happen in county school too! so don't be blinded and think it just hhs
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:19 PM
I graduated from HHS in 2005 and played football all through highschool. This kind of stuff has always gone on, and the coaches have always turned the other way. Specific coaches would go out of there way to cover up something for a player. Also these same coaches would not hold players to the same standards in the classroom at all. There was an even bigger scandal then this in 2003 with a coach and a highschool female that just got swept under the rug. HHS football is an elite program, but they have thrown all morals and ethics out the door to get there!
Posted by: HHS Student/Football player
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:14 PM
There are way too many rumors. No one can get the story straight, and there involving 2 incidents into one. And these Students names should not be all over the T.V. its kind of personal I think. I also think that if coaches found anything going on that shouldnt have been then they would have handled it. Just as Coach Sarver said if he knew there was illegal actions going on then he would have taken care of it and they would have never played.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:13 PM
you guys that blame chris rush are out of line. he is doing his job. if the coaches would have reported this earlier, he would have probably been made aware about it earlier and maybe stopped a few of these kids from getting involved. you guys that blame him have absolutely no clue. if you think it's the job of teachers and coaches to ignore all crimes then our schools would be crazy. a teacher/coach finds out information, they report to their administrator who probably tells the school resource officer who then decides if it warrants telling the local police department. you should be commending chris rush for this investigation and perhaps preventing a more serious accident (death) from happening.
Posted by: HHS Staffer
Location: Rockingham County
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:12 PM
The student's interviewed by TV3 did not represent a cross-section of our student body. It gives an unfair view. We have great teachers, coaches and students. Our principal is second to none. Do not let the action of 3 students mar a great school's reputation. Do not punish good teachers and coaches based on rumors they may have heard. They are three good moral men that are good role models to students and players who work hard and do the best they can for our kids. This is wrong, wrong, wrong.
Posted by: Robert
Location: Elkton
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:04 PM
what these kids did was wrong and they should be punished. However the bigger story here is the coaches. How IRONIC is the fact that the armed robbery was against a Rockbridge student. If we can remember it was this school that kicked not only its star QB but its star RB off the team for alchohol violations, in the middle of a season where there were considered a contender for the state title. Those coaches sacraficed thier season for the sake of the team and what is right. Sarver you should be embarrassed, ashamed and FIRED because you sacraficed your School reputation, and the valuable lesson you could have tought your team in interest of winning and your own ego. The silence of Sarver (I will not give him the title coach, he no longer deserves that) speaks volumes about his personal judgement. Sometimes a coach of a sports team is the only adult person that has a chance of a positive influence on some of these star athletes. Sarver what were you thinking? You can no longer be trustd
Posted by: John
Location: Rockingham County
on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Let's be fair. Coaches are coaches, cops are supposed to be cops. If Chris Rush cannot do his job, he shouldn't blame the coaches. Teachers and coaches put in long hours for pay beneath college trained professionals. Coaches don't even get paid what my teanager gets paid to babysit. Coaches jobs are to coach- not investigate. That is Rush's job- too bad he has not done it. Let's put the blame where it belongs- the student's that erred and the cop that is ineffective.
Posted by: TA Fan
Location: Dayton
on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Re: Comments about losing to TA. Maybe they should take steroids then they might beat TA. NO PAIN NO GAIN
Posted by: Proud Blue Streak
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:53 PM
What is Chris Rush's problem? He can't do his job so he thinks the coaches and teachers at HHS should do it for him??? He cannot do his job and be the detective so he wants underpaid teachers and coaches to do it for him? They are there to teach and coach, not run down "leads" and report any and all rumored crimes. Maybe Rush needs to go to HHS- not for crime investigations- but for grammar lessons!!! Did anyone check the poor writing in his paperwork?? What does it take to be a member of the task force anyway??? He expects the coaches do the investigating so maybe he should ask an Engish teacher to instruct him in writing!
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:43 PM
I graduated from HHS in 2005 and played football all through highschool. This kind of stuff has always gone on, and the coaches have always turned the other way. Specific coaches would go out of there way to cover up something for a player. Also these same coaches would not hold players to the same standards in the classroom at all. There was an even bigger scandal then this in 2003 with a coach and a highschool female that just got swept under the rug. HHS football is an elite program, but they have thrown all morals and ethics out the door to get there!
Posted by: Anonymous
on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:25 PM
re concern : what are you talking about? whether or not the coaches are "refusing to think bad" about someone or not, there are certain procedures they are supposed to follow in situations like this that they. didn't and that is why they are in all likelihood going to lose their jobs. when drugs, violence etc..are involved and you are a coach/teacher you can't just take the kids word for it-especially when it's brought to your attention more than once. you ask the question, "name one football player at HHS who has gotten away with anything?" well to answer your question, it appears the 9 mentioned sure got away with a lot of things...
Posted by: Anonymous
on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:22 PM
The coaches are suppose to guide these children. What if one of these boys would have died after taking a pill that they didn't know what it was. I would be scared for my son's safety. Why did the boy who took a gun to school and held it to another boy's head in the locker room not get expelled? Obviously HHS only cares about winning on the field, the don't care about their kids. At county schools boys get suspended from football games for dipping snuff. Winning isn't everything.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Yeeeeaaaahhhhh BLUUUUEEEE!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Teacher
Location: harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:17 PM
I am a teacher at HHS. Its a good school run by a good principal. Lets not denegrate the total school because of this incident. Having said that ,I resent that a few adults -namely coaches out of sheer stupidity and greed to win have tarnish the good work so many of us do at this high school. Consequences are in order.
Posted by: Cut and Dry
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Unfortunately this has happened. These young men are at a time in their lives when armed robbery is something they shouldn't think of as a PRANK. Secondly, the coaches may be looking at accessaries after the fact. Its a worse deal for the coaches. You cannot take the hand of a young man, and you both cross the street blindly. Someone has to be able to see, to guide. We as concerned adults in the community, need to step up at this time, because our young men and women (of our community) are getting off track. What they did is/was wrong, seeking blame will not improve this community. There is a problem, let's identify it, weigh the options,enforce as much as we can from our end and be there to keep our young men and women on the path that we know is right for them. Communication is the key. Make Time to Make a better person. To the coaches, silence is not always best. I do understand that a lot of society cries about infringement on inquires and privacy issues, remember..CYA..
Posted by: HHSStudent
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Justifying the coaches actions I know from personal expierence you can always act on what you hear in the hall ways at HHS. However people have to understand the whole putting your star atheletes first isnt happing just at HHS every team has their bad eggs who will get away with things because they are star football players. However in regards to the HHS players mentioned in the above article (A they are minors or at least on is there for you cannot post a Affidavit for public use if it involves a minor, WHSV could get into serious trouble for this.) However I have no sympathy for the above mention players if someone wants to waste natural ability its there mistake, sad to see something like that happen, hopefully others will learn from this ie. others in the state of Va
Posted by: Marci
Location: Rockingham Cnty
on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:04 PM
RE:Concern The interstate shootings had nothing to do with a school. That's why it wasn't mentioned. And I assume that guy wasn't even in school. It was stupid of the coach to think that any of the players would admit to selling drugs. I'd bet that if he had heard a "rumor" about any other student, not a football player, selling drugs, he would have done something about it.
Posted by: Concern
Location: harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:02 PM
To let you know these kids are not the ones getting away with anything and you know that since you say they orginiate from kelley st right. Yea it is funny to me how people talk how bad Kelley st is and always directing problems come from there. Do you have children over there getting harassed by your fellow police officers everyday who just want to find something to arrest people for. To let truth be known Kelley st is probably the safest street in harrisonbrug since the police is over there all the time. I feel that TV3 had no right to mention the juveniles name at all they are all under the age of 18. This makes me sick how long would this investigation will be goin on? What do the school records have to do with anything relating to the nature of this crime? I am glad for the coaches at HHS for standing for the students not always thinking bad about an individual. No football players dont get away wit anythng name one who gotten away wit sumthng. I like to thank all the staff at HHS
Posted by: mike
Location: harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 09:54 PM
re: concern and hhs student: i'm sorry but you guys don't understand the seriousness of this situation. as a coach/teacher etc.. you are required to report any activity like this to your administrator and they take it from there. whether you think it's a rumor or not, you get the administration involved. this is not blown out of proportion-these are actual statements from players and coaches regarding the situation.
Posted by: a person.
Location: harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 09:49 PM
First off they cant list JUVENILES names.Second off Stedman aint do anything. Why is RUSH just now finding about this stuff if it happened months ago?? an if it was such a big deal why did the coaches not inform police about it?? I understand its illegal to sell drugs but wtf WAYY more than that happens in HHS than this.Owah is tryna pass all the blame to Ronell when he knows he took part in the Armed Robbery if there really was even one!! Owah is only making it worse for him self by lying. RUSH just ruined these boys life.As he does EVERY other BLACK boy's life in harrisonburg. Its pathetic. All i know is that this whole thing is being over exaggerated an thats stedman jones did not an should not of been mentioned in this whole thing! Wow HArrisonburg.
Posted by: HHS parent
Location: harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 09:41 PM
I am concerned that my son is attending a school where bad behavior is covered up for the sake of winning. I encourage all of you to not allow the school system to hush up the story like they tried to do with the gun in the locker room. The coaches must have known something was up. If they did they MUST be fired. Call Dr Ford and demand that something be done about this. I am concerned about my son attending a school where the adults either condone or look the other way when bad behavior occurs. THIS IS SERIOUS.
Posted by: Concern
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 09:36 PM
First of the coaches cannot assume that the rumors are true how would you like for someone to say something about you that might not be true. Second of what does Kelley st has to do with anyhthing! It seems to me everytime something happens at HHS its blown out of portion. What about the drugs in the other high schools. I notice when someone from HHS gets into trouble its all in the news that they attended HHS but failed to mention about the boy that was doin the shooting on 64 school. I dont think it is fair for one to pick on a certain type or gender to automatically think that they are criminals. The coach took him at his word and believed in him.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Apr 9, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Sissys don't play football. If they needed painkillers to play football they should try cheerleading. A bunch of cheaters. The coaches should be terminated. Did Coach Sarver turn a blind eye to his son taking drugs?
Posted by: who
on Apr 9, 2008 at 09:18 PM
maybe if kids make better decisions they wouldnt find themsellves in this kind of trouble and watch who u hang around with, sounds like to me they didnt care about anybody but themselves and thats the kind of kids we need playing sports in high school and in college, NOT!!!! For the coaches they should have a better hand on the football players and worring about what makes a team and winning doesnt make a team!!!! whatever happens to them they all deserve it, maybe our schools will get better along with the citys finest HPD congrats CHRIS RUSH!!!!!!
Posted by: April
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 09:07 PM
These kids made their own decisions and they will pay for them, like they should. The coaches were absolutely wrong and should be guiding our youth in the right direction and not contributing to their deliquency and I hope they will be held accountable for whatever actions they MAY have or have not taken. The police are trying to keep our kids safe and if this behavior is caught early, maybe they can save a kids life. It could be YOUR kids life, what if these kids sold drugs to your kids? If the kid is "uncomfortable" with the consequences - too bad. What kind of people will these kids grow up to be if there are no consequences? If that were my kid on the team and the coach knew he was doing drugs and did not contact me with even a "possiblity" he might be using, I would prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. They absolutely should fire them. They lost all credibility and if the school tolerates that behavior from staff - what else are the tolerating?
Posted by: John
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Any football player involved should be suspended from playing football at HHS. Tim Sarver and the coaching staff needs to be fired or resign. The VHSL needs to investigate to remove any district titles or state championships the football team won during the time frame of the allegations. This is insane.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Apr 9, 2008 at 09:02 PM
it just goes to say winning at all cost even if it means breaking the law.what happend at hhs is going on everwhere.coaches putting winning ahead of morales. just win at all cost regardless of the consiquences.
Posted by: HHSFAN
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 09:02 PM
I think this is bad for the school and our team. They should be in trouble, obviously, they did something wrong there gonna get in trouble no matter what there occupation with the teams or anything else. By the way we are still gonna be the district champs in 08'end of disscusion.
Posted by: RBloom0566
Location: Weyers Cave
on Apr 9, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Yes, well, entitlement coaches watching over/pushing entitled athletes. Would you expect anything less than preferential treatment and a firm Old Boy's Network?
Posted by: Brenda
Location: Rockingham County
on Apr 9, 2008 at 08:45 PM
This is why we have such spoiled athletes on the college and pro level...it starts at the high school level. If these boys wereinvolved in armed robbery and selling pres drugs to team mates it should ruin their chances to play for a college. I think star athletes are protected at most schools. Shame on these coaches...they used these boys so they could shine and win at all costs!
Posted by: randall
Location: rockingham
on Apr 9, 2008 at 08:23 PM
lets get real, are any of you really surprised? Face it coaches a judged on how well the team plays. The team plays and wins when the stars are on the field. I am not shocked this was swept under the rug. I think you are going to learn that this is just the tip of a big big iceburg. heads are going to roll starting at the top(coach) and go to the bottom(players). Why? because our administation is going to sweep the dirt away from them. This will just help support other schools claims that Harrisonburgs noses stay in the air but should be pointed at the ground.
Posted by: ?HHS STUDENT?
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 08:20 PM
As a HHS student I can tell you that you would be surprised at the many illegal activities that students do. The football players that were involved have made a bad decision, as does everyone in life, so they shouldn't be criticized. As for the coaches of the football team I think that they were justified in their actions. Its hard to tell what is a rumor or the truth inside high school walls. They questioned Ronnell about the dealing drugs many times and denied it. So, I'm sure if the coaches of the team thought that it was a serious issue then they would have spoke up about it.There are far more important things that RUSH should be looking at then HHS students and teachers.
Posted by: Scott
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 07:43 PM
I am more surprised by the lack of actions of the coaching staff!!! How do you just let it go and do nothing?? If the coaches knew about the drugs and the robbery, they should lose their jobs and teaching certificates.
Posted by: ....
Location: .....
on Apr 9, 2008 at 07:39 PM
all i have to say is that no juvinials name needs to be stated in the paper or online or on tv. they are juvinials and are under the age of 18 and their names cant be stated at all.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Apr 9, 2008 at 07:14 PM
I dont think that Chris Rush has taken a personal interest in ruining any players chance at getting somewhere in college.. The things that were said to be done are things that need to be handled with authority, and it is obvious now, that they were not. Looking back now, i'm sure these men wish they wouldn't have done such a thing.. But mistakes happen and they can be life changing. If this was dealt with early on I don't think it would've ever hit the paper or public for that matter.
Posted by: Scott
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Seems to me that Sgt Rush didn't ruin anyones chances of going anywhere, they did that themselves. Way to put the blame on someone other than the persons responsible. Thats whats wrong with this country and society today !!!
Posted by: HHS Student
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Honestly, the teachers and staff have always treated the football players like they can do no wrong. That's how it has been for so long. Now hopefully the school will realize that HHS is full of people turning a blind eye. HHS isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Posted by: RBloom0566
Location: Weyers Cave
on Apr 9, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Oh, sure, a bunch of elitist kids who are probably used to getting away with proverbial murder are DOING SOMETHING ILLEGAL and yet, we should blame the police officers investigating. Makes perfect sense. No, what really makes sense is how the City of Harrisonburg could become the bastion of law and order
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: Harrisonburg
on Apr 9, 2008 at 06:23 PM
It seems that Chris Rush has taken a personal interest in ruining any player on HHS's football team's chance at getting anywhere in college. What about the people that stand on Kelley street and sell Crack - can't he do something about that? |
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HHS COVERED THEIR "BACKS" AND CRUCIFIED MY SON, PARENTS I PLEAD WITH YOU GET YOUR KIDS OUT OF HHS.
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.
I LOVE HHS, YAW NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH BEFORE U START HATING. HHS FOOTBALL ROCKS
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.
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.
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!
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?
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!!
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.
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