School Is Wrong to Dismiss Coach

I am writing this letter in response to Dale Smith’s dismissal as the Moorpark High track coach.

I was a member of the track team for four years until I graduated in 1994. Coach Smith inspired me to keep trying when I became frustrated, he talked to me, he helped me with problems. He was an excellent coach and friend.

When I tore a muscle in my foot, Coach Smith did everything in his power to get me to keep going, including driving me to Santa Monica on his own time to have supports made for my feet. These orthotics were made for me free of charge as a favor to Coach Smith.

School is supposed to teach students a lesson. It is supposed to teach you that when you work hard and dedicate yourself you will some day be rewarded. The only lesson Moorpark is teaching in this case is to turn its back on someone after a job well done, instead of praising and rewarding Coach Smith as he deserves.

STACY DENLINGER

Moorpark