Dozens of students and parents urge board to reinstate Liberty wrestling coach during public comment

Dozens of current and former Liberty High School wrestlers and parents used the board’s public-comment period Sept. 11 to press the Peoria Unified School District Governing Board about the status of Liberty wrestling coach Eric Brenton. Speakers described Brenton as a mentor, credited him with supporting athletes’ academics and mental health, and called for his reinstatement while several parents and alumni said they feared rushed judgments before investigations finish.

The comments came during the district’s regular meeting and were part of a lengthy public-comment block that stretched for multiple hours. Student speakers repeatedly framed their remarks in personal experience: "Coach Brenton is a friend, father figure, mentor, and our coach," said AJ Russell, a Liberty junior. "My son has had an amazing experience in the Liberty wrestling program, and I stand with Coach Brenton," a parent, Brandon Hopson, told the board.

Multiple speakers pointed to long-term relationships with Brenton and cited examples they say show his support for athletes’ recovery from injuries, college recommendations and personal mentorship. "He goes far beyond the role of a coach — serving as a mentor, role model, and constant source of support," said Jeremy LeBlanc, a Liberty senior. Former students mentioned scholarship letters and military service that they said followed from Brenton’s influence.

At the same time, callers from the public and the board reiterated that the district and law enforcement have responsibilities to investigate allegations. Several speakers referenced prior reviews by the district and local police and asked the board to allow those processes to finish before personnel decisions are made.

Board members did not take action on the matter during the meeting. The comments were delivered in the open public-comment period; the board’s formal role is limited to hearing comments and acting on agenda items. The district previously confirmed to the board that any investigatory or disciplinary steps will follow established procedures and involve law-enforcement coordination when appropriate.

The public-comment segment included students who described specific team rituals, character programs and leadership work Brenton led, and parents who said they had moved into the Liberty attendance area in part because of the wrestling program. Speakers urged the board to consider the students’ perspectives and warned that prolonged uncertainty is affecting team morale.

The board did not vote on any personnel actions during the meeting. Superintendent Derek Summers confirmed to the board in later agenda items that personnel and safety matters are being handled through district processes in coordination with law enforcement.

The matter remains under review; the board and district directed staff to follow normal investigatory procedures and to update the board as appropriate under personnel and public-safety rules.