Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER -ÊTwenty-two-year-old Manchester High School freshman volleyball coach Tami Thomas was fired last week after at least 10 minors drank alcohol at a party in her home.
Nine Manchester freshmen volleyball players, all ages 14 and 15, were suspended for three games in accordance with the MHS policy. Manchester's athletic code concerning alcohol states that athletes are punished for 30 percent of that sports season.
In this case, the 12-member team had to forfeit three matches and will finish the season against Wawasee Thursday. Junior varsity and varsity coaches will take over coaching duties for the team.
Early last week, a parent called the school regarding the incident, and police were informed.
Thomas, who had been a coach at the high school for just two weeks, took over the freshman coaching position after the team's first coach quit two days into the season.
Although no minors were charged in the incident, North Manchester police chief Linda Learned has sent information on Thomas to the Wabash County prosecutor's office.
"My investigation showed that there were minors at the coach's apartment, and that they had consumed alcohol," said Learned.
"This is an unfortunate incident," said Manchester athletic director Steve Shumaker.
