The investigation was prompted, in part, by an exposure in the Seattle Times last summer that found an underbelly of fraudulent academics, illegal recruiting and of course, money. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. The conferences action sets a precedent that should raise a red flag to everyone, the statement said. And we wonder where entitled athletes come from? The team won 11 state championships in 15 years, including a 67-game winning streak. Wangs 64-yard burst up the middle with four minutes left gave the top-seeded Wolverines (14-0) the winning margin. Bellevue will host Mead High School in the 3A Round of 16, this Saturday at Noon. 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. Or, at the very least, put on administrative leave along with the schools athletic director until a thorough investigation is has been completed into the financial records (who paid what) and academic record of Academic Institute Inc., in Bellevue. Bellevue H.S. November 4, 2022. That's as many as Milwaukee, two more than Indianapolis and Tampa, and six more than Oklahoma City and San Antonio.. Volunteer to help people understand their Medicare options! The Bellevue High (Seattle) football team is reportedly aided through a "diploma mill" private school, according to an investigation by The Seattle Times . You do what you can to give your kid a leg up because you want him or her on a path that maybe you werent on.. Lots of work to be done to get where we want to be, though. Flashback: Carter High Stripped of 1988 State Title After Win 5 Marysville-Pilchuck on Saturday in the early game of the Class 3A semifinal doubleheader at Memorial Stadium. Following the varsitys team lead from Friday night, the Wolverine JV got things going quickly with several big runs by sophomore Matt Reed, and the race was on. The Real Story of The 1988 Carter High Football Team One family complained their son was told his scholarship at the Institute would be revoked if he stopped playing football at Bellevue. Editors note: The following is an excerpt from the Seattle Times article of Aug. 23 detailing alleged improper practices within the Bellevue High football program: 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. 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. Final score, 49-6, Eastlake. The Academic Institute has a monthly tuition of $1,750. "It was discovered that there were athletes competing under false addresses in the Bellevue district. 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. Thanks to state-wide referee shortages, the Wolverines had to reschedule their weekly Friday night appointment to Saturday. They recently had a 67-game win streak snapped in the state championship game last December. In response to allegations against the Bellevue booster club, KingCo ruled that the Bellevue football program cannot receive any donations for four years, including money, equipment and products from outside entities. You cheat, you steal, you lie. Stamford had little trouble in the playoffs with wins over Quanah (43-13), Cisco (32-22), Denver City (14-0) and Olney (15-7). Did The Truth Even Matter: The Real Bellevue Football Story (Did The Plenty of things we need to clean up for next week, though. Jones began coaching at . The silver lining from one of the biggest scandals in Texas high school football history is the number of players who went on to continue their football careers in college. They don't have subpoena power because this is a trade association. This will essentially kill the football program. That would be easy. 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. More of the money went to pay for school; the kind with no real academics. Other families allegedly acquired apartments within the schools boundaries, with the rent being paid by boosters. Any booster associated with this mess be banned from any financial or booster club membership for two years. New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory, Back on top: Bellevue beats Kennewick to win 3A state title behind William Wangs 243 yards, Bellevue runs over Marysville-Pilchuck to return to state football championship game, William Wangs career night lifts No. All the coaches involved should lose their jobs and be required to return any money they received that was above the amount they were legally entitled to. Earlier this year, one family complained that an assistant coach threatened to revoke their sons financial aid at Academic Institute if the student didnt continue playing football at Bellevue. From changing grades and playing ineligible players to substance abuse and violence, these five scandals marred the face of the king of all sports in Texas. He openly shared details of his high school experiences, saying he felt like the program was putting kids in a poor position to succeed after high school and that he didnt want to see the program have a negative impact on others in the future. 2023 Bonneville International. Theyre going to find you. My son plays football as a freshman at Liberty High School, and of course the teams one loss this past year was to Bellevue. The second half would be spent in running clock, ending in a final of 54-13. 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. Thiel: Bellevue Football Scandal Highlights Need For Statewide Reform Here is a selection of the responses we received: Bellevue High Schools titles need to be removed. Edwards was sentenced to 16 years and never played another down of football. Good kids and families participated in Bellevuefootball, but there were also some people who stepped over the line. NEWSLINE 425-453-4270. By: Logan Newman, https://usatodayhss.com/2016/bellevue-wash-expected-to-fire-coach-butch-goncharoff-cheating-scandal, Bellevue (Wash.) expected to fire coach at center of alleged football cheating scandal. The Times uncovered 17 instances. The scandal rocked the affluent community and brought awareness to steroid use by teens. How did parents never ask how their kid had so much walking around money? An independent investigation found a series of violations at the powerhouse football program, including that coaches directed athletes to attend the school, that boosters paid for athletes tuition, that false addresses were used to gain eligibility and that coaches coordinated tuition payments for athletes. The following Monday, the Bellevue JV had their first home game of the season, hosting Juanita. Final score 42-0. Bellevue High School Football 2021 State Champs! The state high school governing body, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), is looking into whether state titles need to be stripped and further sanctions imposed. 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. Freeman described in detail the hours he spent busing from Auburn to Bellevue, catching a 5:30 a.m. bus to start class around 8:15. In its report to KingCo, the Bellevue School District acknowledged several violations of rules while disputing other aspects of the independent investigation. The players spent 75 days in the districts alternative school after the incident. Because of the legal challenge, Carter was allowed to go forward in the playoffs and they went on to a state title after defeating Converse Judson in the title game 31-14.
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. Senior running back William Wang rushed for 243 yards and two touchdowns to lead Bellevue to a 3A state championship win over Kennewick on Saturday afternoon at Sparks Stadium. Bellevue's head coach and athletic director be fired immediately 2. 1 Bellevue back into 3A state semifinals: 4 observations
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. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory Bellevue Superintendent Tim Mills says the district will appeal. 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. Playoffs: No postseason games for four years, Boosters: No donations to program for four years, Games: Only KingCo 3A opponents for two years; no out-of-state opponents for four years, Transfers: Stricter guidelines, oversight for incoming transfer students for two years, Championships: Vacate Bellevues conference titles if WIAA determines that state titles should be forfeited. Then, on Monday, the JV took the field north of the lake, against the Bothell Cougars. But the programs remarkable success has depended, in part, on players who werent actually Bellevue High students. 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. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says it's a symptom of a much bigger problem.Media Probe Medicare open enrollment is here and SHIBA can help! Allow only the students living within the boundaries to participate. I correct you Sir they are in your charge as Student Athletes at Bellevue High School taking a physical education class, thereby bound by all the rules and regulations attendant to participating in any WIAA competitive sport which includes providing financial aid. Blame needs to fall primarily on Bellevue High School. Every sport has its dark side and high school football in Texas is no exception. Court records from an eviction case also show a Yusef Freeman was renting an apartment in Sammamish in 2009. "They said four years of probation for the entire athletic department, a four-year ban for football on postseason play, and also non-conference play, as well as inviting any out-of-state opponents to play Bellevue High School. But, we would be lying if we said that there wasnt at least a benefit to these kids.. School district leaders initially sought to have the booster club answer questions about its relationship with Academic Institute. It taught them how to succeed and prepared them for the future. This booster club raised more than $427,000 in 2013 according to the Seattle Times investigation. Hopefully something like that will come out of this mess.". The newspaper further documented its original article: The parents of a former Bellevue High School football player have disputed their sons account of his time on the team, calling a Sunday Seattle Times articleon the subject false and misleading.. That would be a likely violation of rules that generally require student-athletes to live within a schools attendance boundary. football coach makes appeal after ban. An interception by Caymus Rooney sealed the first half, 34-7 in favor of Bellevue. Bellevue High coach pleads: 'This has been a setup since day one do After starting the season in Sports Illustrateds SB Live Top 25, the Wolverines found themselves on the wrong end of two tightly contested losses to start their 2022 campaign. 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? None of our business, he said. SEATTLE An independent investigation into the Bellevue High football team uncovered "significant and long-standing violations" of state sports rules and extensive evidence that the team's. 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 . The second half once again belonged to the youngsters and up-and-comers, who finished strong to the tune of a 56-14 victory. They were outlandishly gravy training on their 17 or 18 year old kids football ability. And I think the only thing that can be a positive is major reformation. Among the players who have attended Academic Institute were those instrumental in Bellevues recent 67-game winning streak: Myles Jack, a linebacker now at UCLA; Marcus Griffin, a defensive tackle at the University of Arizona; and Max Richmond, a wide receiver at the University of Washington. I think its terrible when parents get involved and start trying to tilt the playing field for high school sports, he said. To do whats best for your kid, he said. In the second quarter, junior Carson Rubin got on the board with an thrilling 80 TD run, Razore completed his second TD pass of the day (once again to Hansen, of course), and senior DB Caymus Rooney took an interception 40 yards to the house. As crime increases, our safety measures must too, GSBA is closing the disparity gap with Ready for Business Fund. Here is a selection of the. 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). Weve seen a couple of surveys about Seattles happiness rating, one shows us near the top for happiness, and one has us closer to the bottom. Now we have to keep the focus going next week for playoffs.. If that wasnt enough, the main boosters involved are discussing suing the conference over the penalties and coach Goncharoff says he has been set up. 1 Bellevue back into 3A state semifinals: 4 observations, Week 11 Playoff Matchups - Bellevue 42, Lakes 21, (Nov 12, 2021), This website is powered by SportsEngine's. In 2009, along with Steve Rudman and KJR 950 afternoon host Mike Gastineau, Thiel authored The Great Book of Seattle Sports Lists, a cross between historylink.org and Mad Magazine that has become mandatory reading for any sports fan who has an indoor bathroom. All rights reserved. Bellevue High School has the most successful football program in state history - winning 11 titles in the last 15 years. Bellevue High School has the most successful football program in state history winning 11 titles in the last 15 years. Bellevue Independent Schools announced it has canceled the rest of its high school's football season due to multiple injuries on the team. Bellevue football banned from postseason for 4 years The win marks a return to the top for a former state juggernaut that won eight state championships from 2001 to 2011. 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). Final score, 59-0, BHS. BELLEVUE, Ky. (WXIX) - Bellevue police are stepping up for the high-school football team in their community after this week's news that the rest of the . Amazing game and ending for Bellevue Wolverines,
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. Come one, come all! Back to work tomorrow!. Now we need to do it again! In 1959, Stamford defeated Brady 19-14 in the state championship. 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. 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. Among those, Freeman said Goncharoff directed him to attend the Academic Institute instead of studying at Bellevue. The SHIBA program part of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner is ready to help with your Medicare open enrollment decisions. Now lets see a similar investigation into sports programs at every private high school in the state to determine just how many of their players parents are paying full tuition. Later, a traffic citation was issued to a Yusef Freeman with an address in SeaTac. Bellevue High School Football To tear down this whole organization is a crime. 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). Now, we cannot be completely naive. The families of two other players have described how supporters of the football program had a role in coordinating scholarships for the players. One son married a runner-up from The Bachelor TV show and became an assistant football coach at Bellevue. Courtesy of Stephanie Ault Justus. The parents disputed Freemans account in which he said his father had asked him to thank Bellevue coach Butch Goncharoff for helping pay rent. The only actual answer is likely that they didnt know and they didnt care to know. Bellevue Wolverines | Bellevue WA - Facebook Bellevue is a public school district. ", "Pretty serious stuff," Thiel said. Butch Goncharoff is banned from coaching in Washington State, 3. A High School Football Program Just Got the SMU-Style Death - Forbes BHS cheated its own eligible students of playing. Led by senior running back William Wang as the wrecking ball of destruction in Bellevues vaunted Wing-T rushing attack, the Wolverines dogged Rainier Beach all night on the ground in a 56-22 triumph on Friday night in Class 3A state quarterfinals at Bellevue High School, Highlights of Bellevue's 56-22 win over Rainier Beach in the quarterfinals of the 3A State Playoffs. Just one play into Hazens opening drive, senior Joel Schneider made an acrobatic interception, which moments later led to a sight thats become the terror of KingCo 3A: an Ishaan Daniels long run and touchdown this time from 63 yards. If youre a Pac-12 talent, you are going to jump off the page at recruiters, he said. And that lofty tuition bill? 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? An anonymous tip led the UIL to investigate claims Carters star player, Gary Edwards had failed Algebra and had violated the states No Pass, No Play policy. Team supporters have battled the Bellevue School Districts decisions. With the pregame pageantry and TV interviews done, the Wolverines got to work making the Big Game a big blowout. OVERALL 9-3 0.75 Win % DISTRICT 6-0 1st3A KingCo. 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.