In 1959, Stamford defeated Brady 19-14 in the state championship. Bellevue H.S. According to the findings, 17 players were funneled to a for-profit private school for extra classes and academic help. The KingCo Conference came down hard on Bellevue High School football Tuesday, banning the embattled program from postseason play for four years, prohibiting outside donations for four. 1 Bellevue past No. Im typical Bellevue fashion, the JV Wolverines matched Bothells two big plays with long, methodical drives and stifling defense. Final score: 20-14, bringing the JV to 1-1. Daniels got the second half rolling with his fourth house call of the game, and Luke Scoma added a late field goal to give the Wolverines a 44-13 win. It was a reminder of the Wolverines glorious past that got them fired up this week thanks to comments from Marysville-Pilchuck star running back Dylan Carson that fueled them for Saturdays matchup. A committee of athletic directors from KingCo cited in its report a preponderance of evidence that violations had occurred. The KingCo Conference came down hard on Bellevue High School football Tuesday, banning the embattled program from postseason play for four years, prohibiting outside donations for four years and tightening oversight of incoming transfers for two years. An investigation released Tuesday revealed significant and long-standing violations by the Bellevue High School football program. The second half saw more of the same stingy Wolverine defense, and scores being added by another long Daniels run, and a 30-yard TD connection from Razore to junior TE, Hogan Hansen. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. Maybe there is some truth to some stories, and maybe it is just random speculation, but it is out there, usually in the private school arena. They scammed the system and stole the opportunities of hometown players, stoleplayers from schools that could have used the talent to grow their ownteams, and stole titles from teams that they played. The sanctions are the latest chapter in the saga of investigations, appeals and denials concerning one of the most successful prep-football programs in state history. That's as many as Milwaukee, two more than Indianapolis and Tampa, and six more than Oklahoma City and San Antonio.. Jessie Armstead, played for Miami and was the 207th pick in the 8th round of the 1993 NFL draft. She handles most sports coverage at the station, including helping produce a two-part series on the 50th anniversary of Title IX and the ongoing series "Going Deep.". For more high school stories, stats and videos, visit http://usatodayhss.com. The families of two other players have described how supporters of the football program had a role in coordinating scholarships for the players. The Seattle [] Now we have to keep the focus going next week for playoffs.. Two former teachers told the Times the Academic Institute doesnt adhere to basic educational standards. Players need a 2.0 GPA with no more than one failing class to compete athletically. Bellevue High School has established itself as one of the premier prep football programs in the nation with 11 state titles in the past 15 years. An Auburn woman has won the $754.6 million Powerball jackpot. Arguably one of the best high school teams ever fielded in Texas, the 1988 Dallas Carter Cowboys were loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. The Times uncovered 17 instances of Bellevue players who attend the Academic Institute, a small private school which does not offer football, in the last seven years. Among those, Freeman said Goncharoff directed him to attend the Academic Institute instead of studying at Bellevue. Sat Nov 26 L . Breed initially denied any involvement, but in December of 2015 pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury, was placed on probation and gave up teaching. After finding steroids in her sons athletic bag in September of 2004, a Colleyville Heritage mom approached school administrators after verifying the contents through a local drug store. On BHSs ensuing possession, junior QB Lucas Razore found Ishaan Daniels in the flat, and Daniels scampered 30 yards for the Bellevue score. Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Washington is one of the most successful high school football programs in the country, with 11 state titles in 15 years, a 67-game winning streak covering some of that period and a national footprint that has had them playing on ESPN. After the half, the BHS offense really got rolling, including a 44-yard TD run from junior Blake Teets, a 24-yard TD run from sophomore Ryken Moon, and a screen pass from Razore that junior Cal Zimmerman took 21 yards to pay dirt. 12 Mead in the first round of the Class 3A state football playoffs 41-10 as Bellevue rode its potent rushing attack to a dominant victory that puts it just two wins from their second consecutive state championship game appearance. Following the string of robberies, six players were sentenced to prison with terms ranging from two to 25 years. I found John Harrisons (former Mercer Island High School principal and now Executive Director of Bellevue Public Schools) comments to be cavalier; aiding and abetting a serious flaw in the system and, just plain very disappointing given his stellar career as a Mercer Island principal. Texas HS Football State Champions: 1920-2022, 2022 3A Fan Vote All-Texas High School Football Team, TXHSFB Podcast Championship Edition: Benjamin Mustangs, 2022 2A Fan Vote All-Texas High School Football Team, Texas HS Football Fan Vote Player Of The Year. They were outlandishly gravy training on their 17 or 18 year old kids football ability. Bellevue High School, Wolverine Way, Bellevue, WA, USA Sat Nov 19 W 22-20 @ Lincoln High School "Abes" Lincoln Bowl, Tacoma, WA, USA - 701 S. 37th Street. The Times found at least three instances in which families of players attending the school were either given financial assistance by the team's boosters or didn't pay for the tuition themselves, a violation of state athletic rules. In an article about how Bellevues success was aided by a small private school, Freeman, 20, told the Times that he lived in four different cities during his years with the Bellevue football team Sammamish, Bellevue, Auburn and SeaTac. In Q2, senior Ishaan Daniels added his own long TD run, and quarterback Lucas Razore added not one, but two, TD passes to fellow junior Blake Teets (one for 19 yards, one for 43). He can also be found on twitter @tonybruin, Unrecognizable U.S. Mens National Team Defeats Costa Rica, NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers win Game 3 Convincingly over Golden State Warriors. The Academic Institute was briefly involved in a athletic district investigation after the family complaint, but no one from the school spoke to investigators. During one of the meetings with the Times, Freeman said he no longer had a relationship with his father. Armstead is also in the New York Giants Ring of Honor. Probation: Bellevue athletic department is on probation for four years. Agreed with Bellevues conclusions that athletes used false addresses to gain eligibility, and that payments were made to coaches without approval from the school district. BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Bellevue High School football coach Butch Goncharoff told the school board Tuesday that an investigation of the football . The most successful and the private schools are usually those that get accused. With their sights set on a state championship run, the Cowboys began preparing for the playoffs. Bellevue Highs football squad completed an undefeated season by winning the 3A state championship with a 17-13 triumph over Kennewick High on Dec. 4 at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. Rescind the championship titles, and ban the team from any post-season playoffs for five years. Bellevue school officials have previously told Bellevue head coach Butch Goncharoff that the district will seek to terminate him for violations of district policies. The Wolverines will look to keep extend their conference win streak next week, at home, against the Knights of Newport. KNKX Public Radio | It should not be about winning at all costs to include cheating by parents. John Connors told supporters over the weekend that litigation may be necessary to protect the program, Seattle Times story detailed how numerous Bellevue players had taken classes at The Academic Institute, a private alternative school. Bellevue can appeal the sanctions to KingCo principals within five school days, then can appeal to the executive board of the SeaKing District and ultimately to the executive board of the WIAA. Im already excited for next week. JV plays at Lake Washington on Monday 9/26. Carter High . June 29, 2022 Posted in kawasaki monster energy jersey. But many of those accomplishments are in jeopardy, because of a scandal that has now reached the punishment stage. Coach Kneip on the game, We had a great, physical week of practice, and it really paid off. A series of three books describing the storied history of the Bellevue High School Football program, and the investigations that surrounded the team from 2006 to 2018. Tornados drive 94 yards on 16 plays, capped by Damian Aalona's 1-yard quarterback keeper for a touchdown, to win action-packed Class 3A semifinal game at Art Crate Field. Bellevue junior Cal Zimmerman (#8) scores a touchdown as Snohomish seniors Miles Lamb (#8) and Easton Leonard (#24) attempt to tackle. This isnt a player finding $100 cash in his locker. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. With ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary What Carter Lost screening Aug. 24, audiences are primed to remember the glory and scandal that surrounded Dallas Carter High School's football team nearly 30 . That probe confirmed some of the problems that The Times found and also detailed other issues, including families that had used false addresses to gain eligibility, a school district that had obstructed the investigation and evidence that Goncharoff had been paid beyond the bounds of WIAA rules. This fake news reporting in the media hammered down on the program until the program was literally ripped apart at the seams. Make it hurt. All Rights Reserved. KingCo left the question of whether Bellevue should forfeit state titles up to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). He is now on administrative leave while this is adjudicated.". That loss was an eye-opener, as Bellevue dominated in every aspect of the game against our team. Set the playing field equal, limit the activity of booster clubs to support supplies and travel costs. Unphased by the change, the boys loaded up the busses on Saturday evening, and headed north to Juanita High School in Kirkland. Of the 24-23 loss, Coach Kneip said, Theyre a really, really well-coached, high quality program. But, we would be lying if we said that there wasnt at least a benefit to these kids.. Sophomore Ollie Sharp, and freshmen Max Jones also found the end zone, en route to a 46-7 Bellevue win, capping their first JV tour in years. The scandal rocked the affluent community and brought awareness to steroid use by teens. Darien Freeman had said he lived in that city during his 2009-10 freshman season. Head coach Butch Goncharoff has been fired. Bellevue High's football squad completed an undefeated season by winning the 3A state championship with a 17-13 triumph over Kennewick High on Dec. 4 at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. The KingCo Conference report, released earlier this week, said that while players were illegally recruited to play for Bellevue, some used false addresses to be eligible within Bellevues residential district. Students at a private school without a football team can play for a public-school team in their home district. Adults knew this was going on for years. Top-ranked 3A Wolverines get all they want for three-plus quarters, but Wing-T (342 rushing yards) generates big fourth-quarter scoring plays to pull away. Ban Goncharoff from coaching football in Washington for life. Along the way, competitors have complained that Bellevue was bending the rules. Bellevue football players worked hard thats how they won. Fire them all immediately.. Coach Salonen said, We feel incredibly lucky to have the numbers to support a JV program this year, we love seeing the additional reps these players are getting, and the improvement that comes with those reps.. "I would say the rules are loose. If our society didnt place such a level of importance on winning at all costs, this type of thing wouldnt happen. Hogwash! Saint Mary's guard Logan Johnson knows both sides of the Zags-Gaels rivalry , "It should be an awesome environment": Gonzaga's WCC title hopes depend on outcome vs. Gaels , Gonzaga rewind: Ben Gregg continues to thrive in expanded role, helps Gonzaga thump San Diego , Daily marijuana use raises risk of heart disease by 34%, study indicates, 'Growing up I can say I fell victim to being a Gonzaga fan.' When I saw the David Horsey cartoon, light rail ambassadors inviting a fentanyl-smoking passenger to leave, I lost it, says a listener. That would be a likely violation of rules that generally require student-athletes to live within a schools attendance boundary. On the first play from scrimmage, freshman Max Jones took a handoff 65 yards to the house, and the JV squad never looked back. The Bellevue High football team is reportedly aided by a diploma mill private school. Onside kick with less than 2 minutes to go to setup Scoma winning field goal (Photo credit - Pete Caster / The News Tribune), Luke Scoma converts a must-have onside kick, then boots the game-winning field goal in the reigning Class 3A champions' 22-20 state quarterfinal victory over Gabarri Johnson-led Lincoln of Tacoma, A cadre of Lincoln defenders take down Bellevue running back Blake Tests during the first quarter of a Class 3A state quarterfinal game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at the Lincoln Bowl in Tacoma, Wash. PETE CASTER Pete Caster / The News Tribune Read more. Final score 42-0. While parents arent specifically mentioned in these allegations, ONeil says they would most certainly be involved in these violations and are also culpable. The Bellevue booster club in a statement early Tuesday expressed disappointment with the sanctions. Every sport has its dark side and high school football in Texas is no exception. Butch Goncharoff is banned from coaching in Washington State 3. 9-0 on the season, BACK ON TRACK! Our guys played pretty well, its just about getting better., Then, on Monday, the LW JV made the opposite trip, visiting BHS. Teaching young impressionable minds to cheat is criminal! The only actual answer is likely that they didnt know and they didnt care to know. Staff reporter Mike Baker contributed to this report. Allow only the students living within the boundaries to participate. And we wonder where entitled athletes come from? Among the violations, the 68-page report found thatplayers families provided false address to gain eligibility and that head coach ButchGoncharoff encouraged players to attend classes at a private alternative school where some of the players tuition was subsidized by the programs booster club. "The report then went to a panel of KingCo Conference athletic directors. And oh, by the way, how is it fair that a public school has limits on the geographic locations of its players homes,but private schools players can live anywhere? "He's still a vital part of the picture. Brick by brick!. Here is a selection of the responses we received: Bellevue High Schools titles need to be removed. The train wreck at Bellevue may be symbolic of much that is wrong with high school and college athletics and the creation of the entitled teenager and the grotesque flow of money into amateur sports. While the Institute touts its focus on education at a full-time cost of $1,750 per month two former teachers label Academic Institute a diploma mill that doesnt adhere to basic educational standards. Jones began coaching at . Bellevue High is an extremely successful football program. However, the school often had no teachers in the classrooms; little, if any homework was ever given, and the players received full class credit. However, the victory only lasted five months when the school became the first in the state to have their title taken from them. How did parents never ask how their kid had so much walking around money? Unfazed by the less than hospitable conditions, the Wolverine ground game got to work against a stout Panther defense. Bellevue High School Football Share this Team > Regular Season . Bellevue High School has the most successful football program in state history winning 11 titles in the last 15 years. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory "It's not just Bellevue. ', "The Bellevue School District said only one charge was valid and that was the compensation to Goncharoff, and so they recommended his firing. Team supporters have battled the Bellevue School Districts decisions. The players were ejected from the game, suspended and an investigation launched. The second quarter was the Carson Rubin Show, as he added 10- and 35-yard TD runs, and even a two-point conversion, helping the Wolverines take a 26-6 lead to the locker room. The Bellevue grads on staff are Jake Hiller (2010, offensive line coach), Morgann Richey (2014, offensive line), Ryan Gilbert (2015, defensive backs), Jack Michael (2015, defensive backs), Matt Gilbert (2012, defensive coordinator), AJ Kneip (2016, offensive line/strength coach), Miles Carlson (2016, defensive back), Quinn Sullivan (2018, linebackers), Joe Razore (1997, offensive coordinator), Cam Johnson (1999, wide receivers), Peter Nguyen (2009, wide receivers) and Jojo Connor (2010, quarterbacks). Final score, 59-0, BHS. Under ominous clouds and heavy winds, the Wolverines took the field in their electric yellow uniforms, to face the visiting Snohomish Panthers in a Week 10 crossover game. Now, we cannot be completely naive. I have been watching professional and college sports for more than 40 years, and have been covering college football for Last Word on Sports for two years. The Bellevue High School football cheating scandal is American Greed at it worst! lots and lots of money going around. Boosters have been barred from affiliating with the program. The NFL is the big example. Bellevue Superintendent Tim Mills says the district will appeal. State District . This booster club raised more than $427,000 in 2013 according to the Seattle Times investigation. We depend on members for more than half of our financial support. It starts with having no sports-specific booster clubs and school administrators having the courage and will to take responsibility for sustaining integrity rather than empty victories. He played for the New York Giants and Washington Redskins and was a five time Pro Bowl selection. Butch Goncharoff is banned from coaching in Washington State, 3. Brazen Family-Central Bar + Restaurant,520 Bar and Grill, The Brazens - Windermere. Top-ranked Bellevue defeated Marysville Pilchuck, 27-3, in the 3A state football semifinals on Nov. 27 at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. Other families allegedly acquired apartments within the schools boundaries, with the rent being paid by boosters. Students at AI a school derided as a diploma mill by two former teachers are still allowed to play on the Bellevue football team. Thiel said the complaints have been leveled at the Bellevue High School football program for years, but the scandal erupted after an investigation by the Seattle Times last year. KingCo will vacate Bellevues conference titles if the WIAA determines that state championships should be forfeited. Get the days top sports headlines and breaking news delivered to your inbox by subscribing here. 2023 Bonneville International. And that lofty tuition bill? You can find Art Thiel's work at Sportspress Northwest and Crosscut.com. They don't have subpoena power because this is a trade association. Tony has been with Last Word on Sports for six years covering college football around the country. And I think the only thing that can be a positive is major reformation. On the eve of a Halloween weekend, the Bellevue faithful showed up in droves (and costumes) to celebrate another fantastic class of Bellevue High seniors. Next week, both teams face a tough and up-and-coming Lake Washington team Varsity on Friday at LW (7pm), JV on Monday at home (7pm). Stamford had little trouble in the playoffs with wins over Quanah (43-13), Cisco (32-22), Denver City (14-0) and Olney (15-7). Nobody is talking about the kids who lived in-district whose spots were taking by athletic carpetbaggers., Sothe investigation found that, among other things, Bellevue boosters paid tuitionfor some players to attend an alternative school (just like many kids do) in order to receive instruction, compatible with their learning styles,that they needed to improve their academic standing. McKinney North Principal Linda Thret was the mom of one of the Fab Five and eventually resigned due to mounting pressure over her lack of discipline with the group. It is high time to clean up this mess. Bellevue football decimated the available pool of players for both Sammamish and Interlake for years to the point of Sammamish forfeiting games at the varsity level in 2015. If you would like to share your thoughts or experiences in relation to this story, please email the reporter or. To tear down this whole organization is a crime. In order to remedy the violations, the district had proposed a suspension of the teams booster club along with meetings, training programs and policy reviews to ensure rules are followed in the future. It feels quaint to sit back and watch an old rerun of Friday Night Lights and see some rally girl doing Tim Riggins homework, or a star player finding a mysterious envelope with cash in it. The investigators report and your editorial finally nailed it.. A video of Bellevue East High School's Who do these kids think they are? What makes them think they are so deserving? You know what? Even private schools require the students attend classes at that institution and make the grades to play, not go to a strip-mall diploma mill., The Seattle Times closes comments on particularly sensitive stories. Theyre going to find you. Mostly because they were too busy taking advantage of the whole in the system for their own benefit. It's the entire structure that needs reform and a lot of attention. Now we need to do it again! We asked our fans to vote for the 3A Players of the Year for Texas HS Football Podcast: Championship Series. It's finally come to a head. I think the system is prone to corruption. These findings only corroborate what is probably the worst kept secret in the history of high school sports. Bellevue has also been the subject of a nearly year-long investigation by the KingCo Conference, the league governing body for high school athletics in King County. Rather than worry about imposing sanctions, it is more important that the Bellevue School District starts to do the right thing, going forward, meaning itneeds to replace the coaching staff, probably shun the booster club, and start exercising control by hiring a head coach who is also a teacher within the educational system., What sanctions are appropriate for people in positions of authority supposed role models for kids when they actively participate in or turn a blind eye to corruption and then do everything in their power to impede legitimate investigations? Good kids and families participated in Bellevuefootball, but there were also some people who stepped over the line. Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds.