If you haven't seen the news interviews, the mothers of the girls involved in this have all stepped forward in public support of Coach Downes Our daughters are the wrestlers that the school is alarmingly labeled as a "victim" in this unfounded situation. None of the wrestlers involved, nor us as parents, deem the actions that took place to be inappropriate or with ill intent. 

We will not stand by as they tarnish the reputation of an exceptional individual, Logan Downes. He has been more than just a coach; he embodies the spirit of dedication, compassion, and excellence. As an invaluable asset not only to our wrestling program but to the wrestling community across western Pennsylvania, his unjust removal is a significant loss to us all.

Logan Downes has distinguished himself as a phenomenal coach, friend, and leader. His unwavering commitment to athletes' growth, both on and off the mat, has shaped the lives of countless young men and women, including my own daughter. This abrupt decision by the school administration, grounded in reports from external sources with no investigation of context, due diligence, or due process, threatens to dismantle the very foundation of integrity and fairness that our community was built upon. 

The alleged situation that led to the unjust removal of Coach Downes lacks transparency and accountability. The school administration has failed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accusation s, ignoring key principles of due diligence and due process. At a minimum should include contacting all of the guardians of the alleged victims. A decision was made by our school administration based on an email from external sources whose motives remain unclear. However, the motive feels very targeted as one of their accusations are completely false, stating that Logan is shown leaving the camera frame and immediately taking a wrestler under the bleachers. This alone undermines the entire accusation. This misstep has left us wrestling with the reality that justice has been compromised in this decision.

We call upon the school administration to reconsider their decision AFTER conducting a fair and thorough open investigation, and hearing from the community both locally, statewide, and nationwide. Let us not let hearsay, misinformation, and a lack of understanding the context of the situation dictate the direction of our wrestling program, and most importantly, an innocent man’s reputation. By reinstating Logan Downes, we uphold the values of fairness, respect, and due process, ensuring the best for our children and athletes and setting the example that they need as they are all truly heartbroken and do not understand why the school would terminate a coach that has done NOTHING but amazing things for our program.