Middletown, Oh. — A report from the Cincinnati Enquirer says a Middletown High School football coach has resigned after threats and verbal abuse from parents and community members.
Head coach Lance Engleka has one win over the last two seasons and released the following statement :
“The online death threats, threats of physical violence, personal and deceitful attacks from parents and community members, and verbal abuse leveled against myself, my family, and my coaching staff have devolved into an unsafe environment which I refuse to tolerate. These threats of physical harm and verbal abuse stem from the misguided community perspective on the irrational importance on winning high school football games, unrealistic expectations from parents related to their son’s abilities and future prospects, and parental belief that bullying coaches is an acceptable method of communication. I understand the high-profile nature and acceptable criticism associated with being the head football coach at Middletown High School, however, winning and losing at the high school level should not be a life-threatening situation.”
Engleka will remain on staff as the Dean of Students.
