TVUSD Board Votes 4-0 To Save Temecula Girls Field Hockey At All Area High Schools

TEMECULA, CA — In a special meeting Monday, four of five Temecula Valley Unified School District Governing Board Trustees heard the pleas of Field Hockey players, coaches, and parents for the continuation of their sport.

Four trustees were present: Emil Barham, Steve Schwartz, Jen Wiersma, and Dr. Joseph Komrosky (Dr. Melissa Anderson, absent). Following a two-hour meeting, they unanimously voted to keep Girls' Field Hockey as a sport at Temecula Valley, Chaparral, and Great Oak high schools, to reinstate the coaches recently fired from the program, and add a "robust marketing program for middle schoolers to promote interest in the sport."

A few weeks ago, field hockey was put on the chopping block as a sport to be removed by the TVUSD athletic directors. They wanted to move in another direction, citing a lack of resources, bussing, and too much missed school time for the travel sport.

Thirty-four commenters spoke at the podium, many wearing their varsity jackets as athletes in the TVUSD high school sport of Girls Field Hockey. Parents and coaches also pleaded for the program that they have invested time, money, and fundraising efforts to support.

High school field hockey players from three area high schools shared varied messages during the speeches, each following a similar vein. They expressed their passion for the game and pleaded for their sport, their field hockey family, and, for some, the possibility of a future playing competitively in college.

Dr. Joseph Komrosky said at the beginning of his comments that since the last meeting, he could do little but think of how to keep the girls' field hockey program.

"You're warriors and fighters, and I heard your voice. One week, I'm sitting there playing chess. The next week, all I can think about is Field Hockey."

Citing a litany of statements from the players and families, he said, "The fact we have to be here tonight on a school night is disgraceful. I don't feel like the district cared when this sport was being steamrolled. I plead for you to keep this field hockey alive.' How about we keep girls' field hockey alive and well? I want it to flourish. I want field hockey to continue indefinitely for varsity, junior, and freshman."

With two field hockey coaches fired the day before the meeting, Komrosky shared his opinion on rebooting rather than dismantling the sport at area high schools.

"I want an immediate reinstatement of coaches Jim Dail at Temecula Valley High School and Brian Carter at Chaparral High School. These girls need coaches and then need them now. Those coaches were fired the day before. That's shameful. And what do we need? $26,000 for the program? I think we can raise the funds to keep these sports active."

Trustee Steve Schwartz followed Komrosky's comments, saying:

"From the time I got the first email from Coach Dail, I tried to answer each one. From the first email I got, I was opposed to canceling this program. I know how important this sport is to you, and it would be a shame on Women's History Month if we denied you the opportunity to grow your sport, and we won't let that happen."

Jen Wiersma said she picked up a field hockey stick, talked with Coach Dail, and watched the girls play last week. "We see you, we appreciate you, we are fighting for you, and there is beauty in the struggle. I don't see it as a waste of time. You've come to the mic tonight to talk and won. Never stop fighting for what you believe in."

Emil Barham, new to the board, said the meeting with the players, coaches, and parents had opened his eyes to the importance of athletics among academics. "These girls are simultaneously maintaining high GPAs, stellar academic performance, and a dedication to the sport that is impressive. You are worthy and powerful, and your sense of belonging to the family is evident. I don't want to take that away from you. You've fought valiantly and diplomatically."

After a prior board meeting, a parent stated, "The success of our athletic programs at TVUSD is a result of the passion and hard work of parents and coaches," he said, and that is new to him.

"I came from a different environment, so seeing parents and coaches and the board working together is a great reminder," Barham said. "I move to continue to offer girls' Field Hockey at TVUSD."

Komrosky advised they clearly represent what they had discussed, leaving no room for error. He added that the resolution should immediately reinstate the fired coaches, Dail and Bryan Carter, to ensure that the program is funded and to initiate a robust marketing program for middle schools.

The motion passed 4-0 and was met with cheers and hugs from the crowd.

One thing is certain: Girls Field Hockey in Temecula has four new fans, the biggest of whom seems to be Dr. Komrosky.

"To all the girls here tonight, I want you to know that I'm going to fight for you. I'm going to pull that burden from you," he said, adding. "I want to see a few hockey games coming up. I can't wait."

Related:

Girls Field Hockey On Chopping Block At TVUSD High Schools