Parents want soccer coaches to return

As the parents of a daughter who graduated last year from Oak Park High School and was one of the senior captains of the varsity soccer team, we are writing to encourage the Oak Park Unified School District to reinstate Ted Eggleston and Gloria Rios as the team coaches and Brenda Pasqua as the school athletic department’s physical trainer. We are extremely disappointed in the way these (hazing) allegations were investigated, resulting in resignations under duress of the three individuals and marring of their reputations, along with the reputations of the girls involved and the soccer program.

The administration did a brief investigation and concluded these allegations as true, when the incident was misinterpreted. We believe the school board and administration have an obligation to conduct a thorough and fair investigation. Such a complete review was not conducted.

Secondly, we are upset how the reputations of these girls have been questioned. The three senior captains responsible for this gathering were excellent academic students, advanced peer counselors, and were involved in school and outside activities.

All the girls at the team gathering were given instructions that if they were uncomfortable with anything, they didn’t have to participate. The sleepover was a gathering to bond as a team, trust each other and welcome the new varsity players.

We know Coach Eggleston was not only a great coach, but always had the girls’ best interest in mind. Team camaraderie and safety was important. Respect for one’s opponents was always foremost in his mind. To our daughter, Gloria was like having another friend on the team. She was there to talk and have fun with. Brenda not only helped our daughter with continuing cramping of her legs, but others, too. She has provided care for our son, also.

Todd Eggleston was to be inducted at the OPHS Hall of Fame ceremony this February. He truly deserves this honor. He established a successful soccer program that is admired by his colleagues. His program has brought pride to the school district, while winning six Tri-Valley League Championships and a CIF Championship.

We don’t agree with the judgement the administration hastily made. With the additional information that has been presented to the board and administration, the board can teach students a lesson in life that mistakes are made by authorities and such decisions can be corrected. We strongly encourage that Eggleston, Rios and Pasqua be reinstated immediately. Sue and Fred Levine Oak Park