Despite a ruling by the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) staff, Newcastle Public Schools announced plans to appeal the decision to the OSSAA board of directors. The decision comes after Guthrie’s narrow 35-30 victory over Newcastle in Friday’s Class 5A state semifinal game at Putnam City High School.
The controversy began when a Newcastle fan shared a social media post showing a former Guthrie assistant coach and a current Deer Creek assistant coach wearing a Guthrie jacket on the sidelines during the semifinal game. The individual appeared to be holding play sheets, raising questions about their involvement in the game.
According to a social media post, Newcastle became aware of the situation after a Guthrie alum brought the information to them. “All we have done is bring to light an unethical practice, that was tipped off to us by a Guthrie alum,” the Newcastle fan said in the post.
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The post prompted an investigation by Guthrie’s school administration and the OSSAA. On Sunday, the OSSAA issued a statement clarifying its position: “The rules and policies of the OSSAA do not prohibit the engagement of coaches who are not directly or indirectly employed by or related to a particular school, provided all other rules and eligibility requirements are met. This matter falls under the school’s internal personnel policies and is being handled accordingly.”
In response, Newcastle Superintendent Dr. Cathy Walker announced the district’s decision to appeal on Monday afternoon. “I understand this is a frustrating situation for everyone who cares about our kids and Newcastle football,” Dr. Walker said in a prepared statement on Monday. “We want to maintain the sportsmanship and integrity that our coaches and players have demonstrated all season.”
In the statement, Walker highlighted the OSSAA’s Rule 16 Section 1-B, which states that an individual who has represented their respective school during the current football season cannot participate unattached or as a member of a team for the remainder of the school year.
Dr. Walker expressed dissatisfaction with the OSSAA’s handling of the matter, adding, “As a member of the organization, I am very disappointed in how this was handled by OSSAA and the lack of communication from them. I will be appealing their decision on Wednesday to their board. I have also hired legal counsel to help me navigate the process.”
The OSSAA Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Wednesday for its regularly scheduled meeting.
The Class 5A state championship game is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Chad Richison Stadium in Edmond.
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