Parents, students urge Tunkhannock Area SD to address allegations against varsity wrestling coach

Several parents and students used the meeting's public‑comment period to make detailed allegations about the conduct and management style of varsity wrestling coach Raymond Woods and to request district follow‑up.

Mary Woods said the coach’s actions at an out‑of‑district tournament and treatment of her grandson had ‘‘run Tunkhannock Area's wrestling program into the ground’’ and asked the board to ‘‘hire a new coach and bring Tunkhannock’s wrestling program back to what it once was.’’

Parent Casey Belmont described a series of incidents involving her son, James, including repeated skin‑clearance forms that medical providers later disputed, an episode in which the family said school staff required James to clean mats as punishment, and a meeting with athletic staff she characterized as confrontational. Belmont said she and other parents have raised concerns before and urged the district to investigate.

Student Lucas Siprich told the board he had been repeatedly belittled by the head coach and that ‘‘he continuously belittles wrestlers, including myself, until we quit,’’ and listed a number of teammates who, he said, left the program due to the coach’s conduct. Parent April Schultz described a ‘‘toxic environment’’ in which freshmen and junior‑high wrestlers were ignored or pressured to wrestle at higher weight classes.

Not every speaker urged removal; Roshane Williams defended the coach’s intensity while also saying the program needs to improve for athletes. Coach Woods was not present to respond at the meeting, and the board did not take immediate disciplinary action during the session. The chair thanked the speakers and indicated the board and administration would follow up after the meeting.