After weeks of mounting controversy and public outcry, the West Branch Board of Education voted Wednesday night to reinstate longtime girls basketball coach Walt DeShields. The decision came by a 3-0 vote, with Board President Mikki Kanagy abstaining due to a personal connection — her daughter plays on the team.
More than 200 people attended the emotionally charged meeting, which concluded with a standing ovation following the board’s decision to renew DeShields’ coaching contract. The reinstatement comes just one week after the district had announced it would not recommend DeShields due to what it called “concerning behavior.”
That decision sparked widespread backlash, including accusations of mishandling the situation and a lack of transparency from school officials. Former board president Earl Trimmer called the district’s earlier public statement “an absolute classless act,” and demanded accountability.
“Coach DeShields’ character and judgment were defamed while he and his family were humiliated,” Trimmer said.
During the meeting, President Kanagy addressed the fallout, acknowledging mistakes in how the situation was handled.
“A situation that required a response should have remained confidential given the privacy issues involved. Instead, it was allowed to grow out of control,” she said. “We accept responsibility for our role in that.”
Her husband, Dave Kanagy, also addressed the board, stating that an incident in the school weight room — which did not involve Coach Walt DeShields — had prompted concern from officials. He described a male individual, not affiliated with the coaching staff, who allegedly inappropriately touched a female student using a resistance band, creating a “hostile environment.”
DeShields later called the characterization of the events “false accusations” and said he was unsure how the situation escalated to the point of non-renewal. He did not speak during the meeting but issued a written statement afterward, thanking his supporters and calling for unity moving forward.
“There have been statements made that were hurtful personal attacks and will be very difficult to take back,” DeShields wrote. “But hopefully, with productive discussions and even forgiveness, our school, community, and team can find a way to move forward and come back even stronger.”
Supporters, including parents and former school board members, defended DeShields’ two-decade tenure, emphasizing his clean record and positive influence on student-athletes.
“The man has nothing in his file — nothing in his coaching file, nothing in his personal file as a teacher. Who’s next?” said Abbey Bacconi, who has daughters on the team.
DeShields has led the Lady Warriors for 20 years, compiling 379 wins, eight league titles, 17 sectional championships, seven district titles, and two regional crowns. In his statement, he said he’s eager to return to the gym and resume coaching.
“Our motto this year is that, ‘It’s not about one of us, it’s about ALL of us,’” DeShields said. “Bringing a team of individuals together to accept their roles and play for each other toward a common goal — that may be the toughest, but most rewarding, thing a coach strives to do every season.”
DeShields also expressed gratitude to Superintendent Micki Egli and Athletic Director Ryan Wolf for reviewing the facts and recommending his reinstatement.
