10 supporters are talking about petitions related to Athletic Integrity!
My grandfather Jack Branon was the most amazing person I have ever gotten to know. He has inspired me to have greatness in my life. In fact he was my greatest motivation in joining the Army even though he was never apart of the military. He showed my I can make a difference in not only my community but possibly my nation. He has inspired more people I can count. I could meet someone and as I mentioned I’m his granddaughter they would tell me all about the love and gratitude that they have for him. Him and Mike Estep made a huge impact on others. Admirable is something I would describe as a quality they share. If my grandfather could see his name on the baseball field with his fellow coach Mike Estep he would know he made the difference he wanted to make. My grandfather did not care about going to coach the big leagues. All he cared about was making the impact for the school boys he coached. I played softball when I was in school and I can tell you he’s the best possible coach I could have had. I’m not saying that because he was my grandfather. When I was on the field he was no longer my grandfather, he was my coach. If you are able to sign this petition it would mean the world to his family and community members he has impacted.
-My Grandfather, ‘Coach’ Jack Branon, and Coach Estep have both made a huge impact on the people they have met. These two great Pirate leaders can only be described as honorable, dedicated, humble, trustworthy, and trailblazers for Wheelersburg High School Baseball !
I attended ECSU for 4 years and was a part of the softball program for 1 year and in that 1 year I could tell the program was falling apart and the university did not care whatsoever. I can truly tell the difference Coach Smith has made for the program as a whole. I wish I would have had the privilege to play for her. I pray that this issue will be resolved correctly and quickly.
The department is the issue. I was a part of the ECSU softball program the past 4 years and we were always put last compared to the other sports. Coach Si is a great coach and did everything she possibly could for us. She is very involved in the HBCU softball world and has connections, she knows what she’s doing. She also cared about us off the field. She would fight for us and I’m sure the department didn’t like that.
It's insane that MSHAA is even considering that he's ring chasing, or just trying to be seen. Like he said himself, if that was the case he would've stayed at Central; but guess what. ITS NOT. With everything you see on the news happening down there- even with his sister who passed away as of recently due to the VIOLENCE that he escaped from. I understand that it's your job but stop putting sports first and put the careers of the kids that having living around you first. This is just inhumane.
Both schools support this young man's transfer. Why was MSHAA involved in the 1st place? Why does 1 more adult favoring the others who have no meaningful understanding of this family's story, struggles or why. How is it 1 more vote has the power to block his potential to break out of the cycle of trauma into success? If these adults don't see a hardship situation and put their trust in the sending school's support, police records, family statements and school records to clearly document the case--they all need removed immediately! It is clear they don't stand for the mission and vision of athletics for the state of MO which is to empower student-athletes to become the best they can be! Who on that Board doesn't want to see Liberty do well? Let's keep personal issues and politics in check when deciding the future of a scholar athlete!
To Jennifer Rukstad and the MSHSAA Board,
It’s deeply concerning to see the decision to block Tayshaun “Rue” Wells from playing Varsity basketball despite the overwhelming support from both Liberty and Springfield Central principals, who have verified this was not a sports-related move. Rue’s transfer was made in good faith, placing him in a stable environment with his legal guardian, and he has been a committed student-athlete at Liberty High School throughout the year.
Your ruling not only denies Rue the opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing his senior year but also jeopardizes his chances of being scouted for college scholarships. This decision has long-term implications for his future and adds unnecessary mental anguish to a young man who has worked hard to overcome his challenges.
Rue’s story has been documented widely, and it’s clear to anyone who examines the facts that this young man is in a better place because of his transfer. By maintaining this stance, MSHSAA is punishing a student-athlete for circumstances beyond his control, undermining the very principles of fairness and opportunity that your organization should uphold.
I urge you to reconsider your decision and allow Rue to play Varsity basketball. Let’s ensure that high school athletics remain a platform for growth, opportunity, and support for all student-athletes. Rue deserves better, and so does the integrity of the MSHSAA.
As a teacher, I feel that this decision is a travesty. We should be doing everything we can to support students who are in difficult situations. We should be lifting them up, not putting up roadblocks.
I have a son who has two households in different school districts because of family situation. It would be devastating if a primary household change in his best interest negatively impacted his ability to fully pursue his talents, both academic and athletic.
This is not the first time MSHSAA has faced backlash for penalizing student-athletes who transferred under certain circumstances. In the case of Springfield quarterback Kylan Mabins, MSHSAA initially ruled him ineligible after he transferred schools to escape a toxic environment, citing technicalities in its transfer policy. It took weeks of public outrage and legal intervention before MSHSAA overturned their decision, reinstating Mabins and exposing the inefficiency and lack of empathy in the organization’s decision-making process. These delays not only jeopardize students's athletic careers but also reveal MSHSAA’s failure to uphold its mission of supporting student-athletes. This pattern is emblematic of an organization disconnected from the realities and needs of the young people it is meant to serve.
I raised three boys that went through MSHSA. Their rules are too strict for children moving from one parent to another or changing districts to avoid bullying or mental stress. This needs to change, I know too many families who have suffered these same restrictions. It’s so sad, they are just kids.