A volleyball journey by Charlie Bottita
** Update ** 4/5/21
I was sent the Pamplin Media Group article from last month headlined “Oregon City equestrian coach likely author of own investigation.
The article outlines events that took place in or around 2019. During that same year, I filed complaints with numerous folks regarding the volleyball program at Oregon City High School.
I can only now believe that the complaints I submitted met the same demise as the complaints against the equestrian coach. Both victims in the two programs were the students. Yet the athletic director, school superintendent and chairwomen of the school board gave much of the benefit to the coaches.
I did a lot of research and outlining many violations within the volleyball program, even school district ethics violations. I took my complaints all the way up to Evon Tekorius (who was the chair of the Oregon City School Board at the time). She told me that the board was satisfied with the handling of my complaints. She also said I could not escalate my complaint because I was not residing in the school district. So I wrote a blog and linked all the emails and documentation I had presented to every level of my complaints.
My complaints got swept under the rug, as were the equestrian complaints. But one big difference. Those mentioned in the Pamplin Media article have been widely exposed in their mistakes. Public records revealed the truth. The state school officials are involved in an investigation. The county DA is too.
The following year, 2020, not much had changed with the Volleyball Program at Oregon City High School. Wilsonville paid a $250 fine. OCHS paid a $250 fine. NW Elite Volleyball Club was still operating and given priority gym space. Kathy McCord, who submitted her resignation as the school district investigated complaints, was still a "volunteer" coach at OCHS. There were five OCHS VB coaches that were affiliated with Northwest Elite Volleyball Club. A poor lesson was taught to children: "If you are not following rules, you will be rewarded. If you speak up, you will be shut down."
Trailsend Volleyball Club had been treated unfairly. There are documented emails that show the intention of the Athletic Director at OCHS to eliminate Trailsend Volleyball Club, a clear violation of school district policy. OC School district gave NW Elite Volleyball club, priority access to gym space. Regardless of all the data provided to them by me. Just imagine if a teacher from the school district owns a Dutch Bros. They tell their students that they stand a better chance to pass the class if you buy drinks from my store. Those that choose to go to a competitor are flunked in the class. And when called out on it, the teacher quits, but comes back to volunteer time at the school in the same classroom. The school continues to support the volunteer teacher. Students would feel a bit upset that their grade may depend on that teacher. Even though they are just a volunteer. The school places a large order at Dutch Bros continuing their support. Seems silly, but that is what I believe happened between OCHS and NWE.
So here we are today, 2021. I do not know how students/players are doing in either program. The owner of the club and focus of my complaints is not coaching at OCHS this year. She sold/transferred the club to the head coach for Wilsonville HS Volleyball Program. That club still has many OCHS coaches, coaching at various levels. The club still utilizes many gym resources from OCHS as well as other OC Schools. The bias by the OC School District against Trailsend Volleyball Club forced the club close down. A once vibrant OC-based volleyball club is now no longer.
Maybe the OCHS athletic program has recovered, and the student athletes are able to excel at their sport. And that they do not have to worry about adults treating them badly for the sake of their own benefits. Time will tell once the investigations are completed. I hope the state/county/city can make changes to benefit the students.
I plan on sending a link to this blog to the state Teacher Standards and Practices Commission that you mentioned in your article. They may have some interest to look into how my complaints were handled.
**** End of Update ****
Blog Beginning
Over the past few years (Summer 2016) parents , players and coaches shared with me their experiences at the OCHS volleyball program. I had learned that many players at OCHS were treated badly or told that they would have a better chance to play through the OCHS Volleyball program if they played for NW Elite Volleyball Club. Players were bullied by coaches and students. Parent complaints to coaches and athletic director were left disregarded.
The OSAA (Oregon Student Activities Association) is the governing body of sports for all member schools in Oregon. In December 2018, I began reading about their philosophy and rules. This sentence of their mission statement stood out to me “The OSAA will work to promote interscholastic activities that provide equitable participation opportunities, positive recognition and learning experiences to students, while enhancing the achievement of educational goals. “ Note the ‘Equitable Participation”. This means fair and impartial. Much of what I learned early on from parents and players was far from that. I read the rules of the OSAA. At first I didn’t realize how extensive the rules violations were. Member schools of the OSAA are self reporting of violations. Some violations are submitted by others, but the organization relies on Athletic Directors to police themselves and report directly to the OSAA any violations. The OSAA has pages and pages of rules, but no staff to monitor schools. Where the violations I uncovered fall, is in the section for the Practice Limitation Rule 6A. It is a pilot program being used for 6A schools over the past couple of years. It has now since been approved for 5A. In the rationale of that rule this stands out “3) For most students, specialization in a single athletic activity is not in their best long‐term interests. 4) Students should be encouraged by coaches, administrators and parents to participate in a variety of school activities, including more than one sport during the school year.” I felt that between the mission statement and this rationale, would gain some interest of my findings by the OSAA.
December 17, 2018 I contacted KT Emerson, the OSAA Representative for High School Volleyball. I attempted to outline how I felt the OCHS Volleyball program was not following the practice limitation rules. Also that they were not adhering to the OSAA philosophy. On December 18th, 2018, I was more specific in pointing out a violation that occurred on December 16th, 2018. The response was that she contacted Andy Jones, the Athletic Director at OCHS. In the February meeting minutes from the OSAA Board of Directors, there was a violation noted by OCHS for a coach attending a practice with a fine of $250.
Around the time the fine was published, the JV2 volleyball coach was notified by Erica, the head coach for varsity at OCHS, that she would not be renewing the JV2 coach’s contract. That Jv2 coach had previously gone to the athletic director, Andy Jones with violation concerns and other misbehavior by coaches and staff. I was told by several parents close to the volleyball program at the HS that the reason she was not offered to renew her contract was because Andy thought she had gone to the OSAA with her complaints. I do not believe that KT revealed who reported the violations to the OSAA. But it was me.
I continued to investigate possible violations and was uncovering a much greater picture of the OCHS Volleyball program and NW Elite. The relationship between the two were solidified by the support of Andy Jones, athletic director at OCHS, and Kathleen McCord, Owner of NWE and Coach at OCHS. I contacted Kris Welch on March 18, 2018 at OSAA with my findings. His name was given to me by someone at the OSAA as an expert in the practice limitation rule. I had learned that Andy Jones is a Delegate of the OSAA representing the 6A Three Rivers League. Andy’s role as a delegate is to review rules by the OSAA and vote on acceptance of the rules amongst other duties. In my email to Kris Welch, I also included violations of Wilsonville HS. There are coaches from that school also coaching at NWE and I found where they were violating the practice limitation rules. The response from Kris Welch was that he believed that OCHS knows the rules and are following them. That no further violations had occurred.
I continued to investigate possible violations and was uncovering a much greater picture of the OCHS Volleyball program and NW Elite. The relationship between the two were solidified by the support of Andy Jones, athletic director at OCHS, and Kathleen McCord, Owner of NWE and Coach at OCHS. I contacted Kris Welch on March 18, 2018 at OSAA with my findings. His name was given to me by someone at the OSAA as an expert in the practice limitation rule. I had learned that Andy Jones is a Delegate of the OSAA representing the 6A Three Rivers League. Andy’s role as a delegate is to review rules by the OSAA and vote on acceptance of the rules amongst other duties. In my email to Kris Welch, I also included violations of Wilsonville HS. There are coaches from that school also coaching at NWE and I found where they were violating the practice limitation rules. The response from Kris Welch was that he believed that OCHS knows the rules and are following them. That no further violations had occurred.
I felt I outlined a pretty good case that OCHS was not following the philosophy of the OSAA. And that they had multiple violations that occurred. At no time did KT or Kris attempt to discuss any of my complaints or concerns with me, parent or former coach. Kris basically said that the OSAA is there for the schools and that since I am an outsider and not affiliated with any school, I have no rights. And deserve no explanation. Read my documents I listed above.
I was not satisfied with the result of my complaint to the OSAA. I went to the OSAA because they suggested I do so. That they would take care of it. I further proceeded to contact Tom Lovell on April 5th 2018, the then principal of OCHS as directed by the superintendent's secretary. I sent him my original OSAA complaints. I attempted to set up a meeting several times, with no success. The principle was retiring in just a couple months.
With no success in meeting with the principal, I proceeded to send my complaint to Larry Didway, the OC School Superintendent on May 2nd 2018. At this time, I uncovered not only OSAA violations, but school district policies that were violated. I attempted to outline how Kathleen McCord, coach at OCHS was profiting from her position at the school. She owned NW Elite Volleyball club and was using her position to boost membership in her for profit club. There are other school district policy violations listed.
On May 5th, I was attending the CEVA Regional Volleyball Tournament at the Expo Center. I was watching my daughter play on a court in the corner of the facility. Kathy sought me out and began to harass me in front of my daughter, players, parents and family. She was very vocal and attempting to intimidate me. There was prior instance where she believes I stole one of her nets. She asked for her net back. She continued to mention the violations I had turned in. Numerous times, I asked her if we could discuss at another time. She continued her rant. She asked me why I care. Why I was trying to ruin her character. I told her I wasn’t, but I do care about the kids in OCHS. And how they were treated. She said I don’t live in OC, so why should I care? I looked at her and said, just because I don’t live there, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t care. She walked away. I emailed the superintendent, athletic director of OCHS and the principle and explained what had happened. I asked that she never approach me again. At the time, I didn’t realize that there is a harassment / intimidation OC School District Policy that was violated. But none of those I contacted seemed to realize this. There was no response to me from anyone regarding this incident.
The superintendent indicated that he would assign someone to investigate my complaints (not the intimidation attempt by Kathy). Board policy states that the superintendent shall confer with the complainant. The superintendent also said that he would have this resolved in two weeks. Neither happened. After numerous emails and phone calls, the superintendent responded on July 23rd, 2019.
The decision bullet #4 is a bit misleading. With a statement like that, one could be led to believe that a resignation may have been part of the “Changes to the current program”. After receiving the email, I felt that there may be some significant positive changes with the OCHS Volleyball program. I was completely wrong about that. On August 5th, 2019, A mass email was sent out to OCHS parents that included emails of all the coaches in the cc. Including Kathy. I emailed the superintendent and asked him about that. He replied saying that she resigned and will not be an assistant coach.
This brings us to the first day of OCHS VB tryouts on August 19th, 2019. To my surprise, I was receiving numerous texts that Kathy was at tryouts. That day I sent several emails and called and left a message for the superintendent. This is why I say the decision bullet #4 was misleading. He responded on Thursday.
Before the superintendent responded, I contacted Evon Tekorius, the chairperson of the OC School Board. I explained what had happened over the course of time and that I was not satisfied that a full investigation was conducted by the superintendent.
Additionally, at the end of August 2019 I attended a meeting with Leilani of Trailsend VBC and the staff at OCCE regarding gym space at OC Schools. I attempted to demonstrate how OCHS Athletic Director and a Coach attempted to eliminate competition. Which is against school district policy. The staff did not want to hear from me. They did give me 5 minutes though. I attempted to convince them that gym space priority was being given to NWE based on wrong doings and violations. But the staff said if I wanted to file a complaint, I should do so with the superintendent.
I shared this experience with Chairperson Tekorius. She did not directly respond to me regarding this, but did include it in the email exchange with the board’s decision.
I am not permitted to contact the State Board of Education as the chairperson outlined in the email decision above because of a state rule that exists. I am not a resident or have a student in a school of Oregon City.
Points to consider when you have read all through this:
Andy Jones, the athletic director of OCHS is a delegate for the OSAA. I would think that he would have seen the potential for coaches to violate the very rules he votes to establish.
Kathleen McCord returned to the OCHS Volleyball program as a ‘Volunteer’. OSAA rules state that if a person performs coaching duties for 3 days, they are a COACH. Regardless of what Andy or the superintendent label Kathy as. Kathy needs to follow the rules of the OSAA. She also is bound to the school board policies as a volunteer. The policies are clear about that.
Mike Jones began helping with the OCHS Volleyball program before tryouts and during. He is a new addition to the OCHS Volleyball Program and has been coaching and assisting players. He was an assistant coach for the NWE 14-1 team this past season. He is not listed on the OSAA roster. There could be a severe penalty for a school to not follow the coaching requirements of the OSAA. Training and background checks. These may have been done, but the timeline is suspect since it takes at least 30 days for a background check to be performed. I am not saying one way or another that there are violations, but it is something that could be asked.
All of the contacts that I made from the OSAA all the way to the chairperson of the OC School Board, not once did anyone ask to meet with me. Or to clarify any of my complaints. Even though the superintendent is required to confer with me on my complaint, that was not done. There were no attempts to inform me of detailed decisions. Not one single parent, player or coach that was represented in this complaint was questioned. Or asked for input by the OSAA or the OC school district.
Wilsonville HS Athletic director submitted the violation of a coach attending club tryouts. That same violation was reported to the OSAA, by me regarding OCHS. The athletic director of OCHS did not report this violation to the OSAA. Wilsonville did the right thing. But it appears that OCHS did not.
The week after I contacted the Superintendent of OC Schools in May, A new business name appeared in the Oregon Business Registry. NW Elite VBC, inc. was established. All the other NW Elite Volleyball Club entries contained Kathleen McCord as the registrant. What was different about the NW Elite VBC, Inc, was that the registrant was Johnathon McCord. Kathleen’s son. This was active for at least two months. Then disappeared from the registry shortly after the superintendent emailed his response to me in July. The forms that were used to register that name were hand written. I am not a handwriting expert, but the writing appeared to be Kathy’s. Why would she open a business in her son’s name? I don’t know. The ethics policy at OC School District does not exempt next of kin. Maybe the investigation by the superintendent revealed the reasoning?
There are 5 coaches at OCHS Volleyball program that are affiliated with NW Elite Volleyball Club. The upcoming club season begins in November. None of them can be present during a club tryout that a OCHS Student attends. The practice limitation rules will be difficult to manage throughout the club season. But as I pointed out above, there seems to be little concern by the OSAA. And no rush to self reporting of violations.
What do I think of all of this? I feel sad for the players at OCHS that have been negatively impacted by selfish adults. Adults that are looking out for their own wallet and ego. I contacted CEVA (Columbia Empire Association - the organization that volleyball clubs are a member of) asking a question about HS Volleyball and they said they don’t have any affiliation or care about anything that goes on at the HS level. So this may inspire me to pursue having the OSAA and CEVA actually work together. I believe that CEVA creates the ripe environment for OSAA violations to occur.
The Practice Limitation Rule 6A was put in place, by the OSAA, to eliminate off season volleyball club interference. From what I learned, a large part of the rule was created because of a relationship that Portland Volleyball Club had with West Linn High School. I heard from parents that not much has changed since the rule was put into place. Even this current school year, influence of PVC coaches are felt throughout the West Linn HS Volleyball Program. I can only imagine what else is going on across our state. At one point, someone mentioned that the AD at OCHS said that other schools are doing it. In reference to supporting a private off season club. I believe this must change for players to feel they have a chance to play high school sports. Sure, someone playing in the off season in a club will have much more practice in the sport. But that should not put someone who plays from one club against someone who plays for another club. It happens.
The Practice Limitation Rule 6A was put in place, by the OSAA, to eliminate off season volleyball club interference. From what I learned, a large part of the rule was created because of a relationship that Portland Volleyball Club had with West Linn High School. I heard from parents that not much has changed since the rule was put into place. Even this current school year, influence of PVC coaches are felt throughout the West Linn HS Volleyball Program. I can only imagine what else is going on across our state. At one point, someone mentioned that the AD at OCHS said that other schools are doing it. In reference to supporting a private off season club. I believe this must change for players to feel they have a chance to play high school sports. Sure, someone playing in the off season in a club will have much more practice in the sport. But that should not put someone who plays from one club against someone who plays for another club. It happens.
What has changed in 2020 since I first contacted the OSAA? Not much. Wilsonville paid a $250 fine. OCHS paid a $250 fine. NW Elite Volleyball Club is still operating and given priority gym space. Kathy is still a coach at OCHS. There are now 5 OCHS VB coaches that are affiliated with NWE. A poor lesson was taught to children. That if you are not following rules, you will be rewarded. If you speak up, you will be shut down.
Trailsend Volleyball Club has been treated unfairly. There are documented emails that show the intention of the Athletic Director at OCHS to eliminate Trailsend. A clear violation of school district policy. Trailsend continues to fight to stay in the city and in business. OC School district continues to give NW Elite Volleyball club, priority access to gym space. Regardless of all the data provided to them by me. Just imagine if a teacher from the school district owns a Dutch Bros. They tell their students that they stand a better chance to pass the class if you buy drinks from my store. Those that choose to go to a competitor are flunked in the class. And when called out on it, the teacher quits, but comes back to volunteer time at the school in the same classroom. The school continues to support them. Students would feel a bit upset that their grade may depend on that teacher. Even though they are just a volunteer. The school places a large order at Dutch Bros continuing their support. Seems silly, but that is what I believe happened between OCHS and NWE.
Trailsend Volleyball Club has been treated unfairly. There are documented emails that show the intention of the Athletic Director at OCHS to eliminate Trailsend. A clear violation of school district policy. Trailsend continues to fight to stay in the city and in business. OC School district continues to give NW Elite Volleyball club, priority access to gym space. Regardless of all the data provided to them by me. Just imagine if a teacher from the school district owns a Dutch Bros. They tell their students that they stand a better chance to pass the class if you buy drinks from my store. Those that choose to go to a competitor are flunked in the class. And when called out on it, the teacher quits, but comes back to volunteer time at the school in the same classroom. The school continues to support them. Students would feel a bit upset that their grade may depend on that teacher. Even though they are just a volunteer. The school places a large order at Dutch Bros continuing their support. Seems silly, but that is what I believe happened between OCHS and NWE.
What do I hope you all do? Hug your kids. Be with them. Support them. Watch that they are treated fairly. If you witness any wrongdoing, don’t sit back and just let it happen. It will only get worse. And many other children will be impacted for years to come. Just because I cannot take my case to the state of Oregon, does not mean you have to sit back and accept the decisions I shared above. If you are not satisfied, you are welcome to use my data and documents to share your disapproval.
I do want everyone to know of a new complaint process by the OSAA. "The OSAA will sanction schools whom it has found negligent in the duties of reasonably protecting those involved in interscholastic activities from derogatory or inappropriate names, insults, verbal assaults, profanity, ridicule or engaging in behavior deemed by the member school to endanger the safety or well-being of students, employees, self or others." If any students are being bullied by coaches or players, the OSAA should know about it. Maybe they will listen to a parent or child directly instead of me. This process was only put in place because of the Oregon Legislators writing the requirement into law and the governor signing it over the summer of 2019. Here is the link to their online form.
I do want everyone to know of a new complaint process by the OSAA. "The OSAA will sanction schools whom it has found negligent in the duties of reasonably protecting those involved in interscholastic activities from derogatory or inappropriate names, insults, verbal assaults, profanity, ridicule or engaging in behavior deemed by the member school to endanger the safety or well-being of students, employees, self or others." If any students are being bullied by coaches or players, the OSAA should know about it. Maybe they will listen to a parent or child directly instead of me. This process was only put in place because of the Oregon Legislators writing the requirement into law and the governor signing it over the summer of 2019. Here is the link to their online form.
*** For the Record 7-2-2020, I have never had a restraining order against me. A rumor was being passed around by Kathleen that she had a restraining order placed on me. That is false. I have never, nor will I ever threaten anyone over this. I am not a current resident of OC, but lived there for a time. My father and step mom still live there. I frequent OC often and have a love for the city and the history. When you see the street signs along Holcomb, think of me. I mapped out the entire area helping the Park Place Neighborhood Association with the historic signs. My goal with my complaint, was to get a fair chance for all volleyball players at OC HS.
