Trustees told sports shouldn’t usurp faith

A public comment speaker at last night’s Oconee School Board meeting complained the quest to win in scholastic athletics should not carry weight over a child’s faith.  David Hoodenpyle complained to the trustees of an instance in which, he said, a coach denied a child from missing a religious activity for athletic practice.  Hoodenpyle spoke at length at the public lectern and warned the trustees that there’s going to be standing room-only when they meet on May 20.  None of the trustees, or administrators, reacted immediately to their scolding, but near the end of last night’s meeting, District One’s Amanda Holder said she doesn’t believe any coach in the district would deny an athlete’s request that he be excused for a religious activity.  Before retiring as an educator, Holder coached Seneca Lady Bobcats varsity basketball teams.