As a concerned parent of a former student athlete who spent four years under the direction of Charles “Pudge” Simms at Lewis County High School, I have witnessed first-hand the detrimental impact of his leadership on our basketball program. Throughout those four years, we have not only lost talented players to transfers, but also seen many promising athletes simply quit the team.

The coaching atmosphere fostered by Coach Simms was not one that encouraged growth or development. Instead, it was quite the opposite—player development was never prioritized, and as a result, our children have missed out on essential skills and training necessary for their growth in sports and personal development. Even more concerning was his lack of involvement during the off-season. Numerous attempts to engage with him were either ignored or met with a disinterested response, leaving players without guidance or a sense of direction.

Player testimonials and parental concerns support these observations. Several parents have voiced similar frustrations over the years, noting the negative trajectory of the team’s performance and morale. And although we showed a winning record, the last two seasons have seen us lose winnable games due to Simms’ poor coaching and inadequate game IQ. Countless attempts were suggested and encouraged by parents to watch film to prepare for “big games.” These suggestions were met with complete radio silence. Let’s not forget that he isn’t just a coach, but a TEACHER at this very same school. Mind boggling. 

In the interest of our children’s athletic and personal growth, it is imperative to replace Charles Simms with a coach who is committed to fostering a positive and encouraging environment. A new coach should prioritize player development both during the season and in the off-season, spearhead effective training programs, and maintain open lines of communication with athletes and parents alike.

Elevating this issue to the concerned authorities can bring about the necessary change for our children's future in basketball. Sign this petition to support a positive transformation in Lewis County High School Boys Basketball Team’s coaching strategy and leadership. Your support can pave the way for a constructive and inspiring athletic environment.