North Monterey County High School Athletic Program to possibly scale back

CASTROVILLE CA. - Sports in a high school in a local district could be scaled back. North Monterey County High School parents and students are not happy about the status of the athletic program currently. They are worried about the current state and future of the athletic department. 

Sandra Ruiz is a parent. Her son goes to North Monterey County High School and she is not happy about what she says is a scaling back. 

“We feel like the athletics program is not being supported at the school,” Ruiz said. “It's had a revolving door of principals, and athletic directors, and I just recently found out that they're not going to be replacing the athletic director position, which is a position that is at every high school in our Tri-County area.” 

Parents are not only concerned with the school’s athletic program but also concerned for the unkempt athletic facilities. 

“We have a weight room that has equipment that has not been kept up to date,” Ruiz said. “And part of the weight room is also in disrepair and has been for several years.”

Former North Monterey County baseball coach, Alex Rivera, said that his student-athletes weren’t even allowed to use the weight room. 

“Then they took with athletic the weightlifting privileges,” Rivera said. “Why did they do that? I don't know we're working on as a team. We're consistently getting 10 to 15 kids every day working out during the off-season workouts. That was huge for kids to be that committed to a program and to me as a coach and the coaches.”

Alex is one of the very many community members that wants answers from the school district about the athletic department. 

“We've tried to go up again on trying to get answers,” Rivera said. “We read emails, we contact people we contact administration, I've had meetings with tenants, it just goes blind.” 

An official letter was sent to the superintendent from Sandra Ruiz and her husband on behalf of themselves and the community demanding change.  

“I'm glad the superintendent took the time to respond to my email,” Ruiz said. “I do feel like it wasn't transparent you know, who made the decision and how are we going to keep those decisions from being made in the future? How are those decisions going to be communicated to the community? You know, where's our slot at the table so we can have these discussions.” 

In a statement, the district says, “At this time, the Pep Squad and Sideline Cheer Clubs are seeking a Certified Advisor for the upcoming school year which is required to complete the approval process through the ASB Club Charter and Constitution

There is a meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. where people can express their concerns at North Monterey County High School. 9