Basketball coach resigns in wake of allegations
By Kyle LoJacono
Wiregrass Ranch High is officially appealing the $12,525 it was fined by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) for alleged recruiting violations.
Bulls principal Ray Bonti sent a letter to the FHSAA, which states he is not appealing the 10 sanctions levied against Wiregrass Ranch, but is seeking a reduction in the amount the school was fined. The program was given four $2,500 fines, a $400 fine and must pay back the FHSAA $2,125, which is half the money spent to conduct its investigation.
Seth Polansky, FHSAA spokesman, said they received Bonti’s letter, dated June 27, which includes six corrective actions taken by Wiregrass Ranch.
“Executive director Dr. Roger Dearing and associate executive director Denarvise Thornton will sit down next week to discuss this letter and decide if they will reduce the fine,” Polansky said on July 6.
Polansky said the money comes out of Wiregrass Ranch’s general operating budget.
The FHSAA’s report on Wiregrass Ranch involves illegal recruiting of Briahanna Jackson, who attended the school at the end of her junior and beginning of her senior years. She has since graduated from Freedom High in Hillsborough County.
Of the violations, Wiregrass Ranch girls basketball coach Greg Finkel, who has coached the program since the school opened five years ago, was found to have falsified information given to the FHSAA and was not fully cooperative with the investigation.
Finkel resigned as the Bulls coach on July 7, but will remain as a driver’s education instructor. He said he has been a coach for the last 20 years.
Additionally, former Wesley Chapel High girls basketball coach and current director of the Suncoast Basketball Club Warren Jones was found to have given Wiregrass Ranch false information to keep Jackson a Bull. Jones is Jackson’s legal guardian.
Jackson attended Freedom, the school she was zoned for, during the second half of the school year. She became the quarterback of the Patriots flag football team, leading the squad to a 10-1 record and finished as the District 12 runner-up. The FHSAA would not release her illegibility status, but Polansky said there is no investigation going on at Freedom.
In addition to the fines, Wiregrass Ranch’s athletic department has been put on probation for one year, ending June 1, 2012. The Bulls girls basketball program received two years of probation, ending June 1, 2013, and was also forced to forfeit two games Jackson played in during the 2010-11 season.
Bonti’s letter reads:
Dear Dr. Dearing,
Wiregrass Ranch High School received the FHSAA report dated June 6, 2011. I have read the entire report, findings, background summary, pertinent bylaws, policies, violations cited and sanctions. The appeal process was also provided. After consulting with our Superintendent’s staff, Mr. Phil Bell, Mr. Jimmy DuBose, WRHS Assistant Principal overseeing athletics; and Mr. David Wilson, WRHS Athletic Director; it is our decision not to appeal the findings and ask the FHSAA for leniency related to the fines applied to this ruling. WRHS will implement the following corrective actions immediately to prevent any future violations.
Corrective Actions:
1. WRHS has implemented a new “use of facilities” procedure to improve coordination of activities between the school use of facilities and outside organizations. Mr. DuBose, Assistant Principal, will now coordinate all “use of facilities,” activities and athletics.
2. This item was redacted by the FHSAA because “it involves an employer-employee action that cannot be shared by a third party,” according to Polansky.
3. The Pasco County Schools Employee Relations Department will review the false statements and documents provided by Mr. Jones to determine disciplinary action. Mr. Jones was a teacher at Anclote High School during the 2010-11 school year.
4. Mr. Phil Bell will provide a compliance seminar with all WRHS coaches during the first week of preplanning in August, 2011. This is a mandatory meeting for all coaches.
5. I will attend the 2011 FHSAA Compliance Seminar or attend the NIAAA Leadership Training Course on September 24, 2011 with Mr. Wilson and Mr. DuBose.
6. Mr. Wilson will attend all team parent meetings to review parent involvement requirements related to FHSAA policies associated with summer programs, AAU, etc.
As principal, I share FHSAA’s commitment to the ideal that the youth of Florida deserve the best possible education both in the classroom and on the playing field. I am determined to make sure that these changes will provide opportunities for our students to participate in interscholastic athletic programs on a fair and equitable basis without favor or exception. Wiregrass Ranch is proud of its athletic programs and I appreciate feedback that leads to future success in doing what is best for our students. I will be calling you during the week to convey this message. If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your time in this matter.
Sincerely,
Ray Bonti
