This petition is a call to action for those who believe in justice, fairness, and the preservation of a well-earned legacy. We stand firmly behind Dave Siegriest, the esteemed Nyack High School Varsity Baseball Coach. His dedication to the Nyack school district and athletic program has been instrumental in shaping Nyack into what it is today - a beacon of educational excellence and athletic prowess. 

Recently, allegations of sexual misconduct related to the actions of a volunteer assistant coach working during Dave’s tenure have surfaced. However, we assert that Dave Siegriest did not know nor could he have known about these alleged incidents, especially since the allegations were never raised during Dave’s tragically curtailed lifetime. The current personal attack on him is not only shameful but also unwarranted. Given the untimely death of Dave and the lengthy passage of time, it may not be possible to definitively disprove and defend against some of the hearsay offered, but the balance of Dave’s actual record of accomplishments and good works represent an extremely large counterweight that cannot be overlooked. 

Dave Siegriest's legacy is intertwined with the success story of the Nyack school district and athletic program. To tarnish his reputation based on circumstances beyond his control or knowledge would be an injustice not only to him, but also to all those who have benefited from his tireless efforts over the years – both the Nyack (and Nanuet) school communities at large as well as those students entrusted to his care who learned not only athletic skills but also important life skills, principles, and values that would serve them well beyond the playing fields and well beyond their time at the school. Many of these people spoke from the heart publicly in thankful praise of what Dave’s tutelage did for them in their lives as they paid their respects at the annual memorial tournament held posthumously in Dave’s honor. 

We urge you to sign this petition as a show of support for Dave Siegriest – a man whose contributions should be celebrated rather than condemned without a fair or completely objective investigation or due process. This Tuesday, January 23, 2024, in the auditorium at Nyack High School, the Nyack Board of Education will be voting on a resolution to remove Dave’s name from the baseball field and score board at the high school as well as from any plaques, trophies, scholarship funds, programs, or memorial tournaments that currently bear his name. Please also consider attending the Board meeting to have your voice heard during the public session portion of the meeting or to at least have your presence counted among those who oppose this resolution. Stand with us in preserving the 17-year-old inspirational legacy and life lessons of not only a great coach, but of a truly wonderful man. They may try to erase his name, but they can never erase his memory!