HHS coaches serve suspensions

Off-site practices violate school policy

By: Rudy Brandl
   Three Hillsborough High head coaches were suspended for holding practice sessions May 17, the day after the second round of terror threats closed the school and forced the cancellation of all activities.
   HHS baseball coach Norm Hewitt, softball coach Cheryl Iaione and girls’ lacrosse coach Beth Murrin had to serve one-game suspensions because they violated the school’s policy. All three teams met off school grounds, where the coaches felt it was safe to conduct workouts.
   "I wanted to get together off site," Hewitt said. "I really didn’t think we were jeopardizing anything because we were off the premises of danger, but I accept total responsibility."
   All three HHS teams were preparing for the state playoffs. More immediately, the girls’ lacrosse team was getting ready for the Somerset County championship game, set for the following Sunday. With the prom scheduled for Friday, the coaches felt it was important to practice to avoid a layoff of three or four days.
   "We broke the rule, but we want our kids to excel," Hewitt said. "We want to be with them in all situations and make them better. We’re not perfect. We make mistakes, but none of us would ever put any of our kids in danger."
   The Raiders were scheduled to play Watchung Hills that day but all athletic events were postponed. Hewitt checked in with his players and they were eager to do some hitting.
   "I asked the kids what they wanted to do," Hewitt said. "They wanted to go to the Little League complex and hit around. I thought it was good to bring them together at a time like this."
   Iaione, who teaches physical education at Franklin High, echoed Hewitt’s sentiments. She’s formed a close bond with her players and wanted to support them during a difficult time. There was fear and uncertainty within the school after the threats and she wanted to be sure her players were OK.
   "I made a mistake," Iaione said. "I was trying to keep the kids together in a time of crisis. The kids ended up getting hurt because coaches were pulled from them. I didn’t feel like I was doing anything wrong, but if I violate a policy, I have to accept the consequences."
   Iaione sat out the team’s May 25 game at Montgomery, which the Raiders lost by an 8-2 margin. Hewitt was supposed to sit out Monday’s road game at Watchung Hills, but it was postponed due to rain.
   Murrin, who declined comment on the issue, missed Tuesday’s regular season finale vs. Bridgewater-Raritan at Noonan Field.
   The HHS golf team suffered the biggest loss due to the threats on that day. The Raiders were not permitted to compete in the Skyland Conference Championships, another off-site event at Neshanic Valley. When a group of golf parents learned about the practice sessions, they reported those coaches and teams to the school board.
   "I thought the golf team was robbed of an opportunity to compete," Hewitt said. "I could see canceling on-site activities because the kids could be in danger. I thought they should have been able to participate.
   "My regret is that the golf parents attacked all of us who had nothing to do with them not participating," he added. "I feel bad about the golf team, but the coaches who practiced had nothing to do with what happened to them."
   The golf team will never get back that final chance to compete for a title as a team. Three other teams lost their head coaches and leaders for a day. The threats created problems for everyone and the Raider teams took one of the biggest hits.
   "The athletic department got hurt with this more than anyone else," Iaione said. "It’s not fair to the kids. It’s frustrating."
   Although he accepted responsibility for breaking the rules, Hewitt continued to speak out on behalf of all the HHS coaches. This distinguished group of men and women have led the Hillsborough teams to several championships and many top 20 state rankings this school year.
    "I think Hillsborough High School has one of the greatest coaching staffs," Hewitt said. "The parents in our town should be very grateful for the talent, dedication and integrity of our coaches. We’re right up there with any school in the state."