I was privileged to have John Parks as my track coach a couple of months ago. I learned not just the technicalities of track and field, but life principles that still guide me today. John is an awesome, funny, friendly coach. He has also trained several Olympians and state champions. This is why it disappoints me to learn that he's no longer at the helm, coaching the future athletes of Lake Oswego, OR, USA.

Coach Parks is known for his legendary contribution to our school's track and field accomplishments. During his tenure,  newspapers reported that our teams had secured numerous regional and state-level titles. This significantly boosted the athletics reputation of our locality.

At the state track meet last month, a trans female beat our legendary Mia Brahe-Pederson as well as Josie Donelson. This could have potentially lost them their scholarships. Parks witnessed this and wrote letters to the state Senator Rob Wagner and Peter Weber, who is the Executive Director of the Oregon Student Activities Association. These letters criticized the district for allowing boys to compete against girls. Parks has been known to help protect women's sports. The letters had been approved by Lake Oswego beforehand, but they deceived him and fired Parks. 

The sudden decision taken by our school board to let such a linchpin of athletic development leave is not only adverse for our budding athletes but also questions the board's understanding of the importance of experienced coaching. Bring Coach Parks back and ensure that our young sports enthusiasts have the opportunity to flourishingly develop their track and field abilities. Please sign this petition to bring back John Parks, a legendary track coach, to preserve our community's athletic fabric.