Castle High School wrestling co-head coach Billy Wood has been dismissed, the school's athletic director said yesterday. Castle wrestling coach fired
By Nick Abramo
nabramo@starbulletin.comWood, 34, had been involved with the Knights -- first as a volunteer and then as a co-head coach -- since 1998.
Richard Haru, Castle's AD, did not specify the reason for Wood's dismissal but said he consulted with three other ADs and a league official before making his decision last week.
Wood said yesterday he was let go because he didn't follow the proper guidelines in carrying out administrative duties on several different occasions.
Wood admitted to making some mistakes, but believes there are extenuating circumstances. He said that in past years, the other co-head coach, Phil Acosta, normally handled the administrative duties and that Acosta wanted to have fewer of those duties this year to have more time to further his education and for family.
Wood said the "straw that broke the camel's back" was when a new wrestler came out for the team a lot later than the rest of the athletes and broke his arm.
Because it was so late into the season, Wood said, he had forgotten to ask if the wrestler had undergone a physical exam and received parental permission. He also said the wrestler stated later that he had a physical from football season.
"I've always been more of a technique guy," Wood said. "Phil (Acosta) said I could call him whenever I had a question (about how to do the administration aspects), but I didn't want to bother him too much.
"I have to think about my future in wrestling. He (Haru) had his reason, I gave my explanation, he wasn't satisfied and I was let go. I realize my mistakes, and in the future I won't make those mistakes again. When it first happened, the phone was ringing nonstop with calls from the kids and parents. I had a great relationship with every kid on the team."
Haru will be addressing the parents' concerns with Castle principal Meredith Maeda on Monday. He said he would make a detailed statement regarding the dismissal after that meeting.
Told Wood's side, Haru said, "He might not realize how negligent his actions were. Even if they weren't intentional, nonetheless, they can still be negligent.
"I have no qualms about his knowledge of wrestling and I know his presence has been very beneficial to Castle wrestling. But you have to look at the entire picture and there's tough decisions you have to make. With the role comes responsibility. There's no such thing as a part-time coach just doing this part of the job and not that part."
Hawaii School Web Sites