Wolf Point School Board Discusses Athletics, Votes To Advertise For Girls’ Basketball Coach
The Wolf Point School Board voted to open the head girls’ basketball position for the 2024-25 school year during its meeting held on Monday, April 8.
After a motion was made and seconded to approve the return of Frank Benson as the head girls’ basketball coach, public comment included parents expressing concerns about the program.
One parent said that morale and professionalism need to improve. She claimed that favoritism takes place in the program.
Another parent said it would be wise to open up the position because of the turmoil between coaches.
One mother said her daughter would come home in tears after practice and that the daughter is considering transferring to another school.
Another resident said her relative lost confidence and is talking about leaving the school. “Something’s wrong, it’s obvious,” she said.
Trustee Michael J. Turcotte made the motion to advertise for the position. The motion passed nearly unanimously. Trustee Trenton Wemmer didn’t cast a vote on the topic.
Earlier in the meeting, Turcotte discussed about looking how to improve Wolf Point’s athletics in the long run. He noted how there are good and bad years. Schools like Malta and Scobey always seem to be winning, because their programs start at a young age.
Turcotte said athletics has a role in academics since some students stay in school because of sports.
Activities director Eric Peterson said building the Lil Wolves program again is a good start. “We have to improve. A lot of things we can discuss as a team,” Peterson said to the board.
Turcotte said coaches should desire to get better by attending clinics. He said the coaching situation has a negative impact in the community because it creates tension. He said it would be easier for trustees to tell residents that Wolf Point has good coaches if the coaches attend trainings.
As far as improving the high school’s track, Turcotte encouraged Peterson to help find donations for the $1- to $2-million project. Turcotte said trustees have connections to assist with the effort.
