Former Harrison Football Player Creates Petition To Remove Head Coach
By: Kayla Moody
Updated: October 8, 2012
A former Harrison High School football player says it's time to oust Head Coach Brian Lewis. 1994 graduate Chris Cooke started a petition on Change.org to remove Lewis as head coach. Cooke says Harrison's football program is broken.
The Warriors have won three times since Lewis became head coach in 2009. Cooke says Lewis is failing to lead his high school teams and help the cub level teams grow. Harrison was forced to forfeit a game earlier this season for dressing an ineligible player.
"Many alums are saying, you know, enough is enough. You know, you have the keys to this multi-million dollar facility that was built last year. The knock on Harrison for years was we didn't have the facilities that other schools do. Well now we do. Now is the time for positive change. We want to start the discussion to hopefully have some positive change."
Cooke created the petition last Thursday. So far it has more than 50 signatures. He and his supporters will take the petition to the school board at the end of the season.
To read the petition, click here.
The Warriors have won three times since Lewis became head coach in 2009. Cooke says Lewis is failing to lead his high school teams and help the cub level teams grow. Harrison was forced to forfeit a game earlier this season for dressing an ineligible player.
"Many alums are saying, you know, enough is enough. You know, you have the keys to this multi-million dollar facility that was built last year. The knock on Harrison for years was we didn't have the facilities that other schools do. Well now we do. Now is the time for positive change. We want to start the discussion to hopefully have some positive change."
Cooke created the petition last Thursday. So far it has more than 50 signatures. He and his supporters will take the petition to the school board at the end of the season.
To read the petition, click here.
Comments
There is more to this than eyes can see. We have been apart of Warrior Football for 3 years now and must say their is a lack of leadership in other areas besides the coach. Its easy to sit behind a keyboard and record your thoughts why this isn't working or why don't they do this, blah, blah, blah! Why do I say that?? because I do it week in and week out...I get frustrated for the kids more than they get frustrated. But to sit back and say 1 person is the cause of the failing of a program is just ridiculous. I can give you way more to chew on than a 3-36 record believe me and has nothing to do with coaching. Am I happy with the way things are going? NO. Do we need a change? YES. But in my opinion they need change in several positions in the athletic program-I will not name names as this article is not about that issue. My suggestion is at the end of the season, have a round table discussion with coaches, AD and people who are ready to see some positive results in the program and ask the question- " What is the plan going forward to start building the football program back to a competitive status?"
Mr. Cooke don't stereotype my kids whom have graduated from Harrison and gone onto college and have made a name for themselves.
Kevin K.
October 13, 2012 at 8:31 am
Have you been to a game lately, Mr. Cooke? Unless you know what is going on inside that school, you have no business starting a petition. I am sorry you are disappointed, but you made a comment about the players losing on the field and losing in life. You are 100% wrong and YOU are the embarrassing part of Warrior Football.
Chris C.
October 11, 2012 at 4:36 pm
Just remember Joe, McGary athlete of the year boy...you know was'up.
Marvin S.
October 10, 2012 at 4:32 pm
For some reason I don't think that is really Marvin.
Joel T.
October 10, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Where do I sign?
Jeff W.
October 9, 2012 at 9:21 pm
JT...Good stuff with the correction!
Damont P.
October 9, 2012 at 9:12 pm
Mr. Starks...cause I'm nasty! I can't believe it's the Starks brothers! Wow! Where have u guys been? Tell Romie whats up. U can see it both ways; however, dude%u2026 3 wins in 3 years. Tell me where you have that record and people not ask for a change. Question: How long do you need to change a program around? R u involved with the program? If so, do you see any positive changes in the near future? I ask these questions because I am not in Eville.
Damont P.
October 9, 2012 at 9:10 pm
Romie said was'up y'all!
Marvin S.
October 9, 2012 at 8:05 pm
That's Marvin S....Mr.Starks if ya nasty!
Marvin S.
October 9, 2012 at 7:58 pm
While I can appreciate Mr. Cooke's enthusiasm and love for the Warrior football program, one must question his intentions. Cookie, what have you personally done to help the Warrior football program, before and after Coach Lewis? You make this into something political, when it is not. Do you think your negative energy could be used to do something positive? Before you say that leading a witch hunt is positive, I will say that it is not. I hope you realize what you're doing. It is safe to say that you have more people opposed to your actions than are in favor of it. When I was stomping fools on the field, I found it distracting when people said negative things about the team publicly. I can only hope the current players don't have access to your words, because they are negative and hurtful. Support the school that you call your alumni, and feel free to share with the public all that you have done for the school and program. All of the blood, sweat and tears you have contributed. It seems like what you're interested in, is taking credit for work you didn't do. Get with the program big fella...and keep my name out yo' mouth.
MS
Marvin S.
October 9, 2012 at 7:56 pm
I agree, should not have said that. And I publicly apologize to Chris! I am sorry!
Joel T.
October 9, 2012 at 12:57 pm
U r still my boy...but u r being a jerk!
Damont P.
October 9, 2012 at 10:57 am
JT%u2026what a jerk move. Why personalize your comments about Chris just because you don%u2019t agree with him. He has every right to address the issue of the declining program at HHS. You can disagree with someone without being an a$$!
Damont P.
October 9, 2012 at 10:56 am
Chris Cooke was the 5th best lineman on his team. Not really considered a former player. He was not good. Just a fat guy taking up space. Now he sits behind a computer and trash talks HHS football. Here is an idea! Get off you lazy behind and try to help at some level. If you are really that concerened about the status of the program, do something. But you may want to set a good example and loose a few before you do!
Joel T.
October 9, 2012 at 8:46 am
