Shelton football coach resigns

The Shelton School Board on Tuesday evening accepted the resignation of Mark Smith, the Shelton High School head football coach, who is also the district’s K-8 athletic and activities director.

Smith, a 1987 Shelton High School graduate, coached the team for four seasons. His resignation was effective March 13. Smith did not immediately reply to a request for comments from the Journal.

The Shelton School District is investigating the injuries that five Shelton High School students sustained Jan. 31 during a weight training class. Smith and another football coach substituting for the regular teacher ordered the students to perform football tackling drills without padding or helmets. Four students reportedly suffered concussions, and one a dislocated finger when they were slammed to the mat and against padded walls in the wrestling room.

In a statement to the Journal on Wednesday morning, the district stated, “The situation on Jan. 31 is very unfortunate and not reflective of the district’s commitment to providing a safe environment for students. The Shelton School District has already taken steps to help prevent any further injuries to students during physical fitness courses. Additional training has been provided to all high school coaches about the roles and responsibilities, including rules under WIAA.

“The investigation of the incident on Jan. 31 is completed and we are awaiting the final report from the external firm who conducted the investigation. Once the report is reviewed, the district will take appropriate actions based on the facts from the investigation.”

At school board meetings since the incident, the injured students, their parents and others have stepped up to the microphone to express outrage and disappointment in the coaches and the district. Tuesday’s meeting was no exception.

“We entrust our volunteer coaches and volunteer coaching staff with a vital responsibility, which is to ensure the safety and well-being of our student athletes,” Shelton resident and parent Marilyn Aaron told the board. “So the unsanctioned practice that took place on Jan. 31 was a blatant disregard for established protocol. It exposed our young players to unnecessary risks and injuries that took place. These protocols that we have in place guarantee qualified personnel are present, proper safety equipment is used and appropriate training methods are followed. So my concerns, and I’m sure many others, extend beyond the incident itself. The district’s continued silence on this matter is deeply troubling. Parents and the public deserve transparency and need to know what steps are being taken to ensure the safety of our student-athletes moving forward and what actions will be taken to address individuals involved in this unauthorized practice. I urge you to revoke the volunteer status of the individual, which you all know was involved, just not allowed to say, in this unsanctioned practice. This sends a clear message that the district prioritizes the well-being of our student athletes.”

Aaron added, “You probably should put out a public statement acknowledging the incident, the injuries sustained, and the steps that are being taken to investigate and prevent future occurrences.”

Smith’s resignation was approved as part of the common consent package without comment. His name did not come up until near the end of the meeting, during comments by board members.

Board Chair Matt Welander asked, “One question I have for the superintendent is, now that we have voted and accepted the resignation of Coach Smith, can we move forward with finding another coach?”

Superintendent Wyeth Jessee responded, “Yes, we’ll be looking for a new head football coach, and we’ve already begun that process.”

Smith, who came to Shelton from Peoria, Arizona, where he led Liberty High School to a 6A state championship in 2019, replaced Mike Speaks in March 2020.

Smith went 15-19 overall and 8-10 in Evergreen Conference play in four seasons as the Highclimbers head coach, which included a COVID-shortened six-game schedule in spring 2021. Shelton’s best season under Smith came in 2022 when the Climbers went 5-5 and won a tiebreaker to advance to the postseason.