Call for the Removal of the Adam Szabo, 
Weight & Conditioning Coordinator,
to Protect the Unity of our Athletic Department
and Wellbeing of AHS Student-Athletes

Statement:
We, the undersigned students, parents, alumni, and concerned community members,
are united in our commitment to ensuring that our school’s athletic programs uphold the
highest standards of safety, respect, and professionalism.
Over the past months, actions taken by Adam Szabo have directly contradicted these
standards and created a hostile working environment for coaches and student athletes.
Credible reports from student athletes and other AHS coaches have raised serious
concerns about his conduct as the weight and conditioning coordinator. These concerns
are not isolated incidents but part of a troubling pattern that has negatively affected the
athletic department, emotional wellbeing, and overall athletic experience of our
students.

Specific concerns include, but are not limited to:
 -Covert videotaping of the AHS football offseason training while on the clock to
lead strength & conditioning workouts.

-Submitting a violations report to the OHSAA without discussing potential
alternative remedies with AHS leadership, including Principal Fender and Athletic
Director Coach Newton.

 -Making false claims to the OHSAA to harm the reputation of the AHS football
coaching staff and increase penalties that could impact student athletes playing
time or eligibility.

-Conversely, NOT identifying any violations while he was an active member
of the football program (violations which he claims occurred every year since
2016).

-Sending the violations report to AHS Football coaches on Father’s Day.
The calculating behavior to disrupt an important day for all fathers is validation of
the “payback” mentality that underscores Adam Szabo’s behavior.

-Requesting 1:1 Time with students under the age of 18 to attempt to “make
them see his side” and inflame conflict/barriers with their current coaches.

- Initiating talks with AHS coaches of other sports asking them to “take his
side” in a manner that – at a minimum – took place without the consent of the
AD. This behavior is juvenile and creates an atmosphere of distrust.

The role of a weight and conditioning coach is critical in shaping not only the physical
performance of athletes but also their confidence, resilience, and love for their sport. A
coach should inspire, guide, and protect athletes across all sports — not seek to tear
down, create division, or put student athlete participation at risk.
We believe that the current situation undermines the mission of the AHS athletic
department and the values of our school community. Our student-athletes deserve a
safe, supportive, and empowering environment where they can grow both on and off the
field.

We respectfully request that the school administration:
1. Take immediate action to remove Adam Szabo from their position given his harmful
practices and violations of professional standards.
2. Implement stronger hiring and oversight protocols to ensure that all future
Sports & Conditioning Coordinators meet rigorous qualifications in supporting all
sports, athlete wellbeing, and respectful communication.
3. Provide ongoing training and accountability measures for all athletic staff to
maintain a culture of respect, safety, and excellence.

By signing this petition, we affirm our shared responsibility to protect the health, dignity,
and future of our student-athletes. We call on the administration to act decisively and
transparently to restore trust in our athletic programs and to ensure that every student-
athlete is treated with the respect and care they deserve.