Parents and students urge reinstatement of Grafton wrestling coach at board meeting

Multiple parents and student-athletes used the public-comment period at the April 22 Grafton School District board meeting to call for reinstating the recently dismissed wrestling coach, Brent Murray.

Steve Hansen, who identified himself as the assistant varsity wrestling coach and a parent, described the program’s momentum under the coach and said he was "absolutely devastated by this decision," urging the board to reverse it so the program’s growth and the players’ continuity are not lost. "I just wanted voice my support for coach Murray, and hopefully, this decision can be reversed," Hansen said.

Tom Schumacher, a sophomore and captain of the wrestling team, told the board the dismissal was "completely unjust," stressing that the program has had multiple coaching changes in recent years and arguing that continuity is essential for student development both on and off the mat. Jackson Mojick, a junior and varsity wrestler, likewise spoke to Murray’s positive mentorship and urged reinstatement, saying Murray had a "profound impact" on players’ lives and performance.

Board minutes and the transcript show that the public commenters requested reversal but provided no additional personnel details on record. Later in the meeting the board approved a motion to convene in closed session under Wisconsin statute 19.85(1)(c) to consider employment and personnel matters, including final notice of nonrenewal of teaching contracts and teacher compensation, signaling that the board intended to handle personnel details outside public session.

No formal personnel action regarding the wrestling coach was recorded in the public portion of the meeting transcript.