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Re: Superintendent: Redmond School District not allowed to discuss cheer coach dismissal - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:27:35 -0000

It's really time to move on "fam" - all the posts are becoming redundant and repetitive, have been answered and reanswered ad nauseum and I would hope you should recognize by now too.

The question you pose about hiding should be posed to those that have slung mud and said negative things, pasing judgements and giving opinions, but can't do so without the guise of anonymity, not to us. We have said who we are, we stand and have stood openly and completley behind our statements, being openly seen, speaking for everyone to hear and knowing exactly who we are, etc. If our statements were "false," we wouldn't have stood or continue to stand so openly and be willing to share. Very simple.

When people are ready to have adult conversations that don't involve pseudonyms and excuses for using them, let us know. We've never hidden and we aren't hard to find.

We are not going to continue having unnecessary, repetitive, and dramatic discussions with individuals willing to posture themselves behind anonymous signatures. You want us to "call peopel out" but you yourself continue to hide behind an anonymous signature. If you have somethin to say, stand behind it or don't say it at all. Still very simple.

Again, hoping to move on and hoping you do too. It's seriously time.

Lauren, Nancy, Irene, Kim, TJ, etc.

Re: Superintendent: Redmond School District not allowed to discuss cheer coach dismissal - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:52:14 -0000

We happen to agree - shame on everyone, including us, for allowing ourselves to get sucked back in to the drama -- one so unnecessary and that created for more negativity and sadness than good. Bottom line is that people should agree to disagree.

As we have said, time and again, there are countless stories of coaches that are inspiring to some and initimidating to others. Methods of coaching or teaching that are motivating to some and feel debilitating to others. Expectations that seem overwhelming to some and that are energizing to others and so on on and so forth. What works for some does not work for others.

Cast stones as you will, assume as you need, and make anonymous judgements as you feel necessary. Speak badly of us for openly standing for who we wholeheartedly believe in, who we do know, and for being willing to challenge assumptions or opinions being presented as fact. That doesn't make us bad people or a "product of training" (which is a funny statement considering some of us are older than she is). That simply makes us people willing to stand openly behind someone we believe in and to not allow her to get bashed and beaten on in a forum that isn't for that and by people that hide behind the guise of fear.

As we hopefully close this conversation for good and agree that we hold similar opinions for some things but very different opinions for others, we'll close with once again saying that GC is not the issue here - it is a highly competitive all-star program that people can or don't have to be part of for whatever reason they choose just as they do with other programs in cheer and any other sport and if you feel it wasn't the place for your daughter, we're sure Ronda was sorry to see her go and would be "respectful" and "supportive" again should she see her in the future.

We hope we're all "done" here as the communication is becoming redundant and repetitive for us all. What you said you didn't want this to become (and we quote): "I am not willing to publicly throw mud at Ronda or her program. I am not willing to get into a he said/ she said battle...." has become just that. Moving on and hoping you do too.....

Good luck to you.

Lauren, Nancy, Irene, Kim, TJ, etc.

Re: Superintendent: Redmond School District not allowed to discuss cheer coach dismissal - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:27:30 -0000

Bellmom -

As redmondmotherof5 has been reminded, this is NOT about GC or what you did or did not feel at GC. People go into and out of programs on a regular basis for cheer, dance, soccer, football, etc., for one reason or another. What works for one in a program does not work for another and it is your prerogative to leave if it's not working for you for one reason or another. I'm sure you were wished the best when you left.

You can believe as you wish as to who we are but we have identified ourselves before a couple of times. We are a compilation of a number of people that support Ronda and if you look back at posts you will see that we identified ourselves so believe as you will, we cannot change that. But your belief is not fact.

We're sure if Ronda had known how you felt or what you thought, she would have taken the time to talk with you and do what she could to cater to what your needs were and how your daughter would best be reached. Though there are going to be people like yourself that find her "intimidating" or verbally "abusive," there are many more who's lives she has reached, touched and changed in positive ways and continues to on a daily basis with kids of all ages in cheer, dance, and in many other avenues where she works with kids on a daily basis.

So we don't repeat ourselves with things already said we'll just close with we wish you the best and we're sure your daughter was wished the best when your family chose to leave for whatever reasnos may have been given. GC is NOT the issue here though - it is a highly competitive all-star program that people can or don't have to be part of for whatever reason they choose and if you feel it wasn't the place for your daughter, so be it. We're sorry in the time you chose to be at GC that it was not what you felt was right for your daughter and that any communications you may have had with Ronda about your concerns weren't worked out in the way you thought they should have been or would have wished.

Take care.

Lauren, Nancy, Irene, Kim, TJ, etc.

Re: Superintendent: Redmond School District not allowed to discuss cheer coach dismissal - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:38:22 -0000

Ma'am - based on your posts and the timeline you put forth you too are assuming that we don't know who you are or when you were or were not here at Galaxy. And once again, it's still not relevant as Galaxy is not the issue or at all what the article is about.

Regardless though, you make comments as to why you wouldn't want to be quoted or as to why you wouldn't want to be known. Yet earlier you said, and I quote from YOUR blog:

"I do not know or really care if you or Ronda know who I am. I am completely comfortable with my families departure from Galaxy Cheer. I do not hold any resentments or unresolved issues with Ronda. I would feel perfectlyy comfortable seeing her in a social situation and I believe that Ronda wished the best for my family when we left Galaxy. When she saw my children on future occasions, she was supportive and respectuful to them (which was shamefully not true of all the Galaxy coaches)."

The contradictions are bothersome and why we have responded - we are sorry if bringing that to light is somehow "intimdating" or "overwhelming." We personally have never been rude or deragatory or attacking to anyone, we have simply stood behind our beliefs and feelings, we have answered questions, we have had discussion -- all out in the open and not under the guise of anonymity and we have simply asked others to do the same if they were going to say something relevant to the topic of RHS Cheer and the program and what's happened.

I have no doubt when/if Ronda were to see you and your children again she would, as you said in your words, " be supportive and respectuful to them" since you and your family "do not hold any resentments or unresolved issues with Ronda ." We have no doubt she feels the same. We wish you and your children the best.

Re: Superintendent: Redmond School District not allowed to discuss cheer coach dismissal - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:19:58 -0000

Being that there is typically more than one of us writing, even if we try to keep it from getting lengthy, we don't always succeed.

If you will notice, everything we have said we have typically said in other posts thus it wasn't necessarily that yours was thought provoking as much we felt a need to reiterate and hopefully give more insight since other posts apparently aren't being read prior to someone posting.

Her coaching style and history are actually NOT relevant in this situation and were never brought up during discussions. Additionally, as it was noted, there wasn't prior reprimand and the motivation to take such drastic action was noted as being started by parents that went above the administration's head as well to stake their claim, to make their claim, and - as you said - to put forth their "blind agression."

You applauded Ronda as well -- in quite an eloquent way. And you also discussed how people make mistakes. What is not irrelevant is not Ronda making or not making a mistake or your opinion of her. What IS irrelevant is your experience at GC. The programs are different and the number of years that have passed since your personal experience make even your experience there passe' as well.

If you would read, you would realize we have said (as has her husband and some of her staunch supporters) that she is not above mistakes or above making a misstep. Nor is she above getting called out for those.

But to hold her MORE accountable than others making the same mistakes (and sometimes worse) to have her punishments be different than others to have the processes different than others, to in some cases never even be told or to be told something completely different -- that is a definite problem and it is you that has the "Blind opinion" if you don't think so.

Your children DID come face to face with Ronda as you said in your last post and I quote what you wrote: "When she saw my children on future occasions, she was supportive and respectuful to them (which was shamefully not true of all the Galaxy coaches)."

Thus, you know very well how Ronda would react if she saw your children "in the world of cheer" and to say otherwise is to give reason to pause since you quoted otherwise earlier. Or it's simply be unnecessarily inflammatory as you contradict yourself and that is what is ignorant and most frustrating about these blogs.

Please realize, we have not been "blind" at all. We, unlike others, have made it clear who we are every step of the way as have many people that are willing to come forward and be questioned and sometimes bashed for our support by those that don't have the confidence to stand behind what they are saying to to be questioned as we have been in their lack of support. As said, either say something and stand behind it or don't say anything at all. It really is time to move on.

Good luck to you.....we wish you the best and again, as you said, Ronda would too.

Re: Superintendent: Redmond School District not allowed to discuss cheer coach dismissal - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:21:15 -0000

Fam -

As an FYI for you, and as you will have noticed was seen in Nicole's letter, Troy's letter, and other letters on the other blog, part of the problem is lack of the very thing you bring up as "just a thought."

The coach actually has and was NOT ever reprimanded for any of the "most recent incidents" which I assume means you are referring to the ones cited in the article and in the mentioned letters. Additionally, there is information that was alluded to but never recently regarding not only knowledge but quiet approval in these stunts being done and the levels being pushed by the higher ups. Stunts that were all age appropriate, but either very gray or found illegal for high school but that were formally approved at times and "quietly" approved at others. That goes for the last 2 1/2 years.

At a recent COMPETITION, a local high school coach had a blatantly illegal stunt in her high school routine. This means she's been training it, likely doing it more than once, and so on. Not just gray or pushing the envelope.....blatantly, unbelievably, and getting a large deduction and unable to qualify for State illegal. On top of that, her team was obviously not ready to be doing that stunt nonetheless some others that were seen as their stunts fell and looked very unsafe in the executing of them. Was she released from services? Was she written up? Was she considered a liability? Not at all.

The problem with the RHS situation is that there wasn't a process as no.....she had not ever been reprimanded and that can be proven. Nor had she ever been talked to sternly. Did she know she was pushing the level? Absolutely. And so did those higher up.

Again, read Nicole's letter as you will see she alludes to this and gives some great examples. And her letter makes Ronda human showing that Ronda is not completely faultless in pushing the envelope but it also makes it clear that the adminstration had many opportunities to tell her not to do this or that, to make her follow stringent rules, to not be okay with gray, to reprimand her verbally or in written form if she wasn't following rules, and so on. There wasn't any of that as had there been, there'd be record. And the fact is, there isn't.

Bottom line is -- no, "this coach" wasn't ever reprimanded and often, it was quite the opposite and there IS record of that. As said before, this is about finding out where the processes, or better yet - the lack of processes - happened and fixing it so it doesn't happen again whether it's to "this coach" or any other coach as there are FAR more out there that are much larger safety concerns in what they are doing and training than this coach would ever be and if there are concerns, they should be handled properly and with the right process and not a knee jerk reaction in the face of a couple of complaining parents who sadly didn't have and were never given the whole story.

Thanks for the opportunity to make that clear with your "just a thought."

We would definitely encourage people to read Nicole's great letter again as she actually touches on a couple of the issues and cites examples as does Desiree and Troy as well and maybe that will clear confusion or the need for extraneous and multiple posts all covering the same thing. It's time to move on for sure and hopefully the answers will come as we all do.

Take care.

Re: Superintendent: Redmond School District not allowed to discuss cheer coach dismissal - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:46:06 -0000

Redmondmotherof5:

It was not that your post was provoking but instead, still off base and without actuals or facts, and it is not even in reference to the story at hand though you tried to make it as such. Your entire posting is about your experience in knowing her through her All-Star gym which is a place you could either choose to be or not to be. You made your choice and it sounds like she understood and was gracious in that understanding.

But how is your anonymous experience at GC, and what is put forth as your positive feelings about Ronda in dealing with her at GC, at all relevant to the lack of information, process, and procedure that was or was not followed with the district?

What was, continues to be frustrating is to hear people give opinions and ideas without truly taking the time to know the full story at hand, to understand the full story at hand, that people are bringing up things not relevant to the situation at hand, and then trying to pass judgement on an individual they claim to "know" when in reality, though you may have been part of her ALL-STAR program at one time, you absolutely do not know her or who she is NOW or who she has been the last 2 1/2 years with the RHS program. Those are two different and seperate things and in turn, how the programs are run and the styles therein are different too.

Though at one time you may have felt you did know Ronda and like to think you still do, people do grow on a day to day basis as they learn and experience new things and as they face different life situations that change their perceptions of life, things and people. So what you may have "known" or thought you "knew" may not be a person you are now seeking to judge and have judged by others based on opinions you may have had or formed about a person that you "knew" long ago.

And you are still doing so under the guise of anonymity even though you claim that "you don't care if we or Ronda know who you are." If you don't, then why not go on record and then allow your "provocative questions" to be answered properly and in the forum you are still anonymously saying is too "one sided?"

As I read your posting, it is obvious that you have remarkable things to say about Ronda and who she is, the passion she has, the love for life, what she stands for, and what has continued to make her a remarkable and successful coach and what will continue to make her as such. The funny thing is, based on YOUR description, she definitely doesn't sound "abusive" in anyway. She has built amazing programs and continues to do so with every program she is involved in, always giving nothing less than her very best to each and every child.

What it sounds like is that you personally didn't agree with her coaching at that time and/or, as you said "things that were revealed to you by others," which (in case you were wondering) is called both rumor and hearsay and it is sad and ridiculous to think adults would be privvy to listening to such comments, to believe them and repeat them even when 99% of the time they are without merit, without basis, without fact, and often embellished from person to person -- such as the game telephone.

For us to make our answer too long would be unnecessary because in many, many ways you spoke to the remarkable strengths that we all know and love in Ronda and you obviously didn't read what we have said or you would see that we (as well as Nicole) touched upon the fact that Ronda is human. To err is human ma'am. She has never professed to be perfect and those that stand the strongest behind her know she is not perfect, that she makes mistakes, and that she takes to heart those mistakes as she continues to grow to be the best she can be in every way.

And when she is given the chance to correct mistakes, she absolutely does. Maybe she didn't for you or in the way you wished but it is impossible to please everyone all the time and it would be hoped you would understand that.

These conversations have gone on irrelevant tangents for far too long. This situation is NOT about Ronda or who she is as a coach or community member and definitely not as a parent - I don't even understand why you would bring that up. You need only to look at her phenomenal children and know she's a great parent. Doesn't mean she's perfect, but I highly doubt your children would consider you a perfect parent either. There's no such thing.

As YOU said, she always has, continues to have, and always will have an incredible amount to offer this world as a coach and community member and that is obvious in the continued people that support her, stand behind her, who's lives are touched by her, and even by people like YOURSELF that may not choose to have had your children coached by her or to be in her program for your own personal reasons but who still obviously have very kind and complimentary things to say about her.

Bottom line is it comes down to what we said before, not all teams, coaches, programs, classes, schools, etc are right for everyone. There have been countless stories of people that were inspiring to some while being intimidating to others. Countless stories of methods that inspired some and frustrated others. Typically one person is not all things to all people and no matter what steps someone does or does not take, it will be considered a "misstep" to others.

It would be ridiculous to think she could control everyone's opinions and feelings or that everyone is going to always agree. It would also be ridiculous to think that any one person could live up to the expectations of every person they come into contact with. For you, she wasn't taking steps you felt were conducive for your child to grow and learn in the way you wished for them too and when you supposedly came to her, she didn't react the way you wished. Or maybe, here's a thought, she did try to address it and do somethign that would please you but maybe it wasn't enough? Is it possible there is another side to your story as well? Is it possible there is another perception that may not be the same as yours? You say you do not feel you fall into the category of an overprotective parent.....but would ALL others that know you be able to say the same or would their perception of you possibly be different?

Regardless, what needs to be remembered from this point forward is that this story is not about Ronda nor is it about GC and shouldn't be made as such anymore.

This is about Redmond and RHS losing a coach that absolutely had all the tremendous traits you yourself have outlined and people that simply want to have confusions cleared as to the processes that led to that -- or more accurately, the processes that DIDN'T occur.

Please stop bringing GC into the mix of a story that is about the Redmond program. The programs are, weren't, and will never be the same and they weren't run the same. While you're at it, please stop bringing Ronda up as well as this isn't about her. It's about finding answers to some very legitimate questions.

Thank you. We wish you the best and I'm sure you know Ronda would too.

Good luck to you and your kids.

Re: Superintendent: Redmond School District not allowed to discuss cheer coach dismissal - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:50:20 -0000

redmondmotherof5:

We have quietly stood in the background since our final post about a week ago and had no intention of posting again, but we feel your posting warranted an "answer."

It's very hard to read people posting that are continuing to use "fear" for hiding behind anonymity. No disrespect, but it really is an excuse and one that is getting old for many reasons.

First, people that are using that assume Ronda has some type of "power" she wields that she would use against you if she knew you, for some reason, weren't happy with her or didn't like her. Second, people assume she would be angry if she knew who the people were and lash out. Third, people assume she already doesn't know who you are by your names or your posts. In reading your post, there are 2 of us that think we do know who you are and if we know, I'm sure she would too.

People making the assumptions (you know what they say about assumptions don't you?) actually DON'T know her as you claimed. It's obvious because of the excuse they use for being anonymous. You say you have "known" Ronda for several years. If you were part of Galaxy, you may have known her during the time you were here, but it's obvious you don't actually know her or what she's about at all.

If you did, you would know that she doesn't get angry when people don't like her - she hurts when that happens and it bothers her. If you did know her, you would know she never likes to see people upset or hurting. You would know she hears the negatives and takes them to heart. You would know she constantly takes about how people are always growing, including her. You would know that she would do anything, for anyone, to ensure they are happy. You would know she knows she makes mistakes -- all people do -- and works hard to correct those. You would know she would rather people tell her when they are upset with her or something she did so she can fix it because she doesn't like people being upset. Yea, really someone to fear isn't it?

You are right, there are two sides to every story. So your story may be that you didn't like Ronda or how she coached your child or things she may have said to you -- but what would her story be about YOU? What may she think about you and your behaviors as the parent of an athlete? What would she be able to say about you and the perception you gave her? Would she be able to say that whatever problem you have with her that you talked with her and gave her the opportunity to make it right and she didn't or couldn't or would she say that you simply started talking behind her back, judging her and giving those opinions to everyone you got the chance to - EXCEPT for her?

Yourself and these others that continue to use "fear" as a reason to post things about Ronda to raise questions about her or her character and are doing so anonymously are frustrating not because you may not have liked her, that's your opinion. It's frustrating because it can almost be guaranteed that you never once spoke to her about your reasons for eventually having your opinion and instead spoke around and about her. She's never afraid to hear what she may be doing wrong because she does everything she can to do things right and always has, for every kid she's coached in 17 years. Yours included.

Not all teams, coaches, programs, classes, schools, etc are right for everyone. There have been countless stories of people that were inspiring to some while being intimidating to others. Countless stories of methods that inspired some and frustrated others. Typically one person is not all things to all people. If you "knew" Ronda you would know that she worries more about those she doesn't reach than she should.......sometimes not realiziing those she did.

As said, there are countless stories of people that are inspirational to some and intimidating to others. It would be ridiculous to think she could control everyone's opinions and feelings. But if you did really know her, you would know she cares way too much about EVERYONE'S opinions and doing what she can to please as many people as she can - when she's given the chance. If you knew her you would know that she takes it to heart in ways most never would.

This hiding behind anonymity because you are "scared" needs to stop. Either say something and stand behind it or don't say it all. It's very simple. To sum it up, it's easiest to quote her husband from earlier: "It's easy to want to get wrapped up in "the drama" of it all. It's also easy to cast stones and give opinions. I hope remember that regardless of your opinion of my wife, who can be very outspoken and to some people can seem intimidating because of the passion she has for kids and for cheer (something that is a very positive thing but also at times can work against her), the fact is that she is someone that has given and continues to give ALOT to cheerleading in Washington and that many, many people care about and that many, many kids have grown to love for what she is to them."

It is sad if your child wasn't one of those or if you didn't let her be.....and I know Ronda would feel the same.

And P.S: You say you have been following the story and if you have you would know Ronda's coaching styles and methods had nothing to do with her not coaching at Redmond anymore. Nicole's letter as well as Desiree's and her husband's outlined the 3 things and not one of them had to do with her style. Just an FYI for you since you tried to allude to that and seemed to be assuming that was a reason with your Bobby Knight reference.

Re: Redmond High School cheer coach dismissed; rumors swirl - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:08:25 -0000

To set the record straight, because as usual you don't have the facts, "gcandd" is NOT Ronda. It is actually a combination of myself, Lauren, Nancy, Irene and a couple others who have known Ronda much longer and on a much deeper level then any of you claim to know her, with the exception, of course, of her husband who has also posted.

This, however, will be my last post as the only comments that matter anymore are the positive ones and not the immature, negative feedback of a SMALL few who only scream out in the need for attention. You are right however about one thing "snickerdoodle," your statement about parents leaving the situation alone and letting "your kid's lives belong to your kids." I find it comical though, considering that this whole situation started because of a few parents who couldn't stay out of their kids lives...

As I've said before, it is time to move on, but forward remains to be seen...

Re: Redmond High School cheer coach dismissed; rumors swirl - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:16:17 -0000

Duplicated posting. Computer error. Sorry. :-/

Re: Redmond High School cheer coach dismissed; rumors swirl - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:52:49 -0000

With the Redmond Reporter deciding to delete the very unjustified and negative, slanderous, and libelous posting that had NOTHING to do with the situation at hand and was an obvious attempt to personally attack the coach, her family, and her gym all under the guise of anonymity, I have taken off my response as it's an unneeded use of space.

However it has been saved for any future need - legal or otherwise - and I maintain that after knowing Ronda for over 13+ years, I pity anyone that would think so negatively and say such blatant untruths with no basis or merit about someone.

Thank you to the Redmond Reporter for removing such an inflammatory, negative, without merit, harrassing, attacking message.

Re: Redmond High School cheer coach dismissed; rumors swirl - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:48:49 -0000

Redman -

A couple of quick things to touch upon this:

1. I will say that I'm interested in your interest and how you play the devil's advocate although it does only seems the devil's advocate is to one side at times. Regardless, your interest is intriguing especially since it sounds as though you don't really know cheer but you do know athletes. And if you do, you would understand and realize these young ladies and gentlemen are athletes and it's not so easy to "move on" from a coach that has been their coach, their mentor, and someone that has worked with and beside them to make a name for their program and school in the cheer and dance industry.

2. I guess I'm confused how anyone standing up for the coach have talked in circles. Not only have they come forward, but they also went to the school board meeting last night where over 100+ people stood for the coach and outlined what they felt the problems were including, but not limited to how they felt about the coach and what she's done for the team, community, athletes, and kids as individuals, as well as the negative bullying attacks and tactics within the parent group with the Booster club commenting about how harrassed they feel as well and so on. They have not hidden behind pseudonyms or the administration or district so how are they talking in circles?

3. You hit it right on the head "Parents getting involved in anything rarely solves problems, it usually causes them." So true -- the whole reason this situation began though they like to pretend that's not the case.

4. They have a new advisor, not a new coach. They have someone that has no idea about cheer and just recently took a class to get "certified" to supposedly train these athletes.....athletes that are already more knowledgeable than their coach. A new coach that hasn't been at 2 of the 3 games -- including Senior night. She is doing what she can for what she knows, but she's not a new "coach" and it's hard for these trained, athletic, once motivated kids to move on. What are they moving on to?

5. They still have a connection with their old coach.....as a mentor, instructor, and "friend." They still contact her for advice and if you knew her you would know she has encouraged them to keep their heads high and to do all they could to work through the sadness and frustration, to not fall apart, and to simply listen to and follow their hearts.....something she has always told them and continues to tell them even in their anger, frustration, and hurt.

6. I think your final comment lends to exactly what the team has been doing. Though it's been VERY hard, they are battling through as they search for answers and they have been doing what you would hope children learn to do as they grow.....they are standing for themselves and what they built and making themselves heard as well rather than being talked for by others that may not be speaking the words that are from their own hearts.

Thank you for your thoughts but I would encourage you to "pick apart" too many things as sometimes in the dissection if you try to do too much dissecting, you may lose sight and track of what the real issue at hand should have been.

As you said "parents getting involved in anything rarely solves problems, it usualy causes them." Often the matches that light the fire......and it's only those in the collateral damage that suffer the most. Like the kids.

Thank you.

Re: Redmond High School cheer coach dismissed; rumors swirl - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:37:09 -0000

I have answered most of your comments in my post to the FAM individual and won't reiterate myself as many of the points answer yours but I do want to say this:

1. When it comes to the coach being on the sidelines, what's the difference between her being on the sidelines and COACHING her team vs. the Football coach doing that vs. the Basketball coach and so on. She is a cheer coach....not an advisor and therefore involved during the game. Period.

2. As far as her being part of Redmond years ago, she was which is why she always considered it home. She has always loved Redmond. What you need to realize and know is that she actually was NOT "let go" in anyway so it is important you get the facts straight as THAT is cause for a libel and slander lawsuit. She resigned at the end of the year before the start of a new year because her business was growing and she was unable to dedicate the time she felt the Dance team deserved. There was nobody else to take over so the Dance team did not continue into that next year. However, it had been very successful during her tenure.

3. As far as Mary, she is appreciated and would likely have just as many "standing" for her that have stood and continue to stand for the coach.

Please check your information before putting them forth as "facts or actuals" when indeed they are not.

Thank you and as said in another post. It's time to move on.....forward will remain to be seen.

Re: Redmond High School cheer coach dismissed; rumors swirl - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:30:12 -0000

For reference, Akillian - I know you are responding to FAM41371815.....I apologize the post I wrote was put above yours.

Re: Redmond High School cheer coach dismissed; rumors swirl - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:29:00 -0000

FAM41371815 -

Your comments are just as "one sided," obviously biased and sadly filled with complete inaccuracies and misperceptions, and opinions neither based on fact nor reality.

First -- all those parents are not "Galaxy" parents and for you to say that is biased. Besides, how might that be relevant? Some of those parents are "Crossfire" parents too. How does that matter? Those parents were coming to the paper as RHS Cheer parents which they are just as much as anyone else. There are kids on the RHS team that have cheered in other programs....when they talk they aren't looked at as "Other program" parents. Why should Galaxy parents be looked at any differently simply because their kids choose to cheer and/or dance in a well known, well respected, and highly decorated cheer and dance program? Regardless, they are RHS parents as well and that's how they went to the paper. Leave Galaxy out of it or it is YOU that is being biased.

Second -- there are MANY coaches that own their own business and are a high school coach. Thus your statement shows definite ignorance in that regards. There is another school in the LWSD who's coach is also an All-Star Director. Should she be taken off the roster because of that? These All-Star and Select coaches are knowledgeable and experienced far beyond what any minor test may or may not require and that should be embraced and utilized to help the programs grow and evolve, not feared because of the levels these young ladies and gentlemen will be pushed to as athletes. From my knowledge, the coach has never made ONE DIME with RHS other than the stipend she was being paid from the district AND she often spent her own money on team. Prior to being the coach, she worked with and choreographed for Redmond as well -- at no charge. She did not "profit" in any way and so I'm wondering where you feel the "asking for trouble" came into play. If it's a problem, then a complete dissecting of ALL the coaches of ALL the sports in ALL the schools needs to be done as it's guaranteed she wasn't the first, wasn't the last, and currently isn't the only.

Third -- illegal things are done by ALL the schools as was brought up at the meeting last night. From hoop earrings to pyramids and stunts to jumping off boxes to the dances they do to the sportsmanship and more and yet those coaches are not "released from services."

Granted, what one does or does not do does not give another right or make it right but what you may not understand is that there was knowledge by school administration that the levels were being pushed appropriately and in conjunction with the abiltiies of the team in the stunts and pyramids, just as they were last year with no complaints and the half year prior with no complaints. They were ALL age appropriate at all times and are stunts that are allowed for kids of far younger ages to do. That's not always been the case though.

Three years ago, the ex-coach allowed the team to practice collegiate stunts -- not only illegal but also completely age inappropriate. Nothing was said, no sanctions taken, nothing noted. That's a problem. And now there is a new coach with no experience and only a 2 hour class behind her to actually properly train these athletes? Athletes that actually do know more than their coach? Is that safe? Recently, RHS had a game without the new coach with only the administration there and the team stunted with costumes on (illegal) and also cheered barefoot and with jewelry in (illegal). Where is the safety there?

Bottom line is that if a school is going to be policed, it should be consistent and the policing should be applied to ALL schools -- not just one program. That hasn't happened and illegal and unsafe things are CONTINUING in the RHS programs and in others as well.

Fourth -- the "no trespass" was answered above by your other post. The no-trespass had NOTHING to do with her being unsafe. It had to do with fear of her connection with the team and the fans and the disruption she could cause attending games because of her popularity with the team and the fans and a vast majority of the parents as well.

Finally - A new "advisor" has been put in place and she is doing everything she likely can. I feel for her as it's a tough spot to be in. I feel for those kids. I feel for the old coach. I feel for the Administration as I said before, I believe they were put between a rock and a hard place. I feel for the District that they too are taking the brunt of this. I feel for the program as it will never be the same.

Beyond and above all else, I feel for the kids and the divisions that have been created and the sad loss of something that was a positive addition to the community and the school and was seen as such for 2 1/2 years. Regardless of what your personal opinion of the very dedicated, passionate, and decorated coach may have been, the facts remain the same -- RHS had never been at THAT level they were at and continuing to go to and it will take a long time, if ever, for them to get there again. They will do so only because of the training the dedicated and strong athletes the very coach that was "released from services" gave them.....both at RHS and beyond.

It is time to move on......whether it's forward or not remains to be seen.

Re: Redmond High School cheer coach dismissed; rumors swirl - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:52:33 -0000

FAM41371815 -

For your information, the "No Trespass" was because of the Administration's fear that Ronda's presence could create for disturbance because of how much the cheerleaders and the crowd actually respond to her. It was not for "negative" reasons per se and there is proof of such. From my understanding and subsequent discussions seen, it only revolves around RHS events and nothing more and it's so the crowd doesn't get riled up with her presence. She made a bigger difference and impact in a positive way than you may wish to see or admit or for that matter, know.

Re: Redmond High School cheer coach dismissed; rumors swirl - Redmond Reporter

gcandd — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:12:24 -0000

Redman -

You are making some broad and vast assumptions with your statements about why the coach may or may not be talking without having any basis for the assumptions. Sadly, the coach could tell her story but people would be just as confused and likely even angrier as the bottom line is, she doesn't even understand. So rather than go on the record and "suppose" and try to make excuses for a decision she doesn't understand either would do no more good than not saying something, she chose to simply say how sad she was and what RHS meant to her. And as said, it would likely cause more confusion and anger as one would hope that someone "released from services" after 2 years of no problems and constant positive growth and evolution would understand to be ABLE to tell the story....but she doesn't.

Bottom line is it began with a couple of disgruntled individuals who felt their personal agendas and desires were more important than everything and everyone else. When people get on a mission, no matter how destructive that mission may be, and they become blinded by their own beliefs, even if those beliefs are not based on truths or realities, they will stop at nothing. And these people stopped at nothing sadly. And they have destroyed what was going to be another amazing year for RHS.....and for those kids. Look at how they looked the last 3 games and think back to the games prior. There is a MARKED difference.

Before you assume that the coach doesn't wish to speak or before you assume that somehow the embarrassment hasn't already occurred -- for the coach AND the kids who have suffered the most, maybe take the time to try and find her if you are so interested and ask you herself.

Just because she isn't broadcasting the confusion doesn't mean she hasn't been willing to talk honestly about it with people that asked. Unlike those that have cast shadows over her and pointed nasty fingers her way then ran quickly and hide behind "anonymous" calls, the school administration, and the district......she hasn't run or hidden as she has nothing to hide. But she also doesn't feel the need to broadcast her frustration and confusion either.

On behalf of her, feel free to answer back and I will gladly give you her e-mail and maybe she can open a dialogue with you if you TRULY want to understand.....and maybe you can even try to help her and everyone else around her understand as NONE of us do. I've known her for over 12 years and she may be outspoken, honest, upfront, and forthright to a point at times but the biggest fault she has is her generosity and her love and passion for each and every one of these kids.......feel free to send a message and I'll give you her e-mail. Until then, stop assuming that she "doesn't want to talk" or "doesn't have a story to tell."

Thank you and I hope you realize that this is not "just a coach" to 99.9% of the people who's lives she encounters. She is something tremendous, something special, and she would give anything and everything she has to make sure each and every child she encounters finds themselves as successful as possible in every way. Get to know her without bias or trepidation or insecurity like others may have and you'll realize she's the best person you could ever begin to know or meet.

You know, in closing, I can agree with you on this.....It's likely not the RHS Administration's fault nor the LWSD......it's the efforts of some parents that made it a point to misguide and misinform and act as though all of it was based on facts when really it's baseless opinions and negative rhetoric. Sadly, the administration and the LWSD were caught in the middle and off guard and made a decision based on things that actually weren't true and weren't representations of everyone's thoughts, feelings, and opinions.

You want the coach's side -- it's not hard to find her. But if you are having a hard time, go ahead and write me a message and I'll send you her e-mail. Then you can meet the person that has so positively touched hundreds and hundreds of lives yourself.

Thanks.....