Parents Speak Out Against Lady Raiders Basketball Coach

Some parents say they're unhappy with the coach's treatment of players on the Riverview High School girls' basketball team.

On Monday night, a handful of parents told the school board they're "disturbed" by coach Keith Stitt's behavior toward the Lady Raider team. Others defended the coach.

Stitt, who has been coaching the Lady Raiders for four seasons, didn't respond to emails sent by the Plum-Oakmont Patch seeking comment.

Parent Carol Segelson Dezort said the coaching staff has displayed aggressive and intimidating behavior toward the players.

Dezort also said Stitt grabbed a player by the neck during the Jan. 14 game against Springdale—he received a three- to five-day suspension.

"I'm sure we can do better as a district in finding coaches for our teams to develop their skills, educate them and give them positive support without taunting or intimidating them," she said.

Parent Keri McAndrews said Stitt means a lot to the players, and he must set a good example for them.

"Nobody can condone what happened," McAndrews said. "I understand he's passionate about this game, but he's displaying a totally wrong image to the girls."

Parents Marty Kennedy and Jim Ashbaugh said they have nothing but good things to say about Stitt.

"I have not encountered a better coach or a finer man," Kennedy said. "Coach Stitt was in the wrong [on Jan. 14], there's no doubt about that.

"That, in my opinion, does not undo the many good things that he's done for these girls…I think he is a tremendous asset to this organization."

Ashbaugh said that while it should have been done differently, Stitt was trying to prevent a player from saying something to a game official during the Springdale game.

School Board President John Hackworth said officials couldn't comment on the matter because it is a personnel issue. However, he said he knew little detail about the incidents. 

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