Wenatchee Coaches Resign

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http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll ... /721604170

nther coaches resign

By Brian Adamowsky
World sports writer
Posted March 14, 2008
WENATCHEE — Three assistant coaches resigned from the Wenatchee High School track team last week, less than two weeks before the Panthers' first competition of the year.

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Allan Galbraith, who coached the distance runners, Ryan Kelso (hurdles) and Dave Cook (pole vault) left their positions due to ongoing communication issues with Wenatchee head coach Bob Bullis and athletic director B.J. Kuntz that were ignored, said Galbraith.

"There were problems with communication that weren't addressed despite repeated requests and there was no indication that it would get any better," Galbraith said. "When the three of asked that these concerns be addressed, we were advised that if we were unhappy with the way things were going we should think about not coaching this year."

Kuntz said that Galbraith, Kelso and Cook decided during the second week of spring practice that they no longer wanted to coach.

"There's nothing more to it than that," she said.

Kuntz didn't return phone calls seeking further comment. Bullis also declined comment when reached at home Wednesday night.

When asked to elaborated on the specific concerns the coaches wanted addressed, Galbraith said they were numerous.

"I couldn't summarize all of them," he said. "It would take too long."

Galbraith said the three coaches submitted their concerns to Kuntz in writing in the form of a letter and that this plea to reconcile also was ignored.

"Integrity is a huge component of this," Kelso said. "There are things people should do and ways people should be treated. This was an incredibly hard choice for all of us and track is a sport that all of us love very much. In no way do we want to disrespect the sport or the student-athletes."

All three coaches are regarded as among the top mentors in their respective disciplines in this region. Cook guided Courtney Bratrude and Elena Dominguez to the state tournament in the pole vault last spring.

Kelso, Galbraith and Cook were on Bullis' staff for five years and were reimbursed with half-time stipends.

Kuntz said that Bullis' other assistants, Susan Valdez, Scott Devereaux and Don Whipple, would take on greater responsibilities until the vacated positions are filled.

Wenatchee travels to Moses Lake for its first dual meet of the season on Wednesday.