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Title still rings true for Northern players

Thursday, May 28, 2009
(Updated 7:08 pm)
By Robert Bell
Staff Writer

GREENSBORO — Officially, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association stripped Northern Guilford of its 3-A state boys basketball title.

Unofficially, the oversized, Super Bowlesque ring Michael Neal flashed Wednesday night indicated otherwise.

“State Champs,” it read. “First In History.”

“It feels good,” said the sophomore point guard, holding his right hand just so to let the light catch all the encrusted gems. “Looks good, too.”

Lost in all the allegations, investigations, name-calling, finger-pointing and legal threats that have arisen over Northern Guilford’s basketball team is the not-so-insignificant fact that a group of boys won 30 games and a state championship before a Guilford County Schools investigation erased it all.

Players, parents and fans gathered at the Greensboro-High Point Marriott Airport hotel Wednesday night to celebrate those accomplishments at the team’s annual awards ceremony.

Coach Stan Kowalewski, whose contract is not being renewed for next season, said the ceremony and rings were not an act of defiance — the state athletic association is not recognizing any school as its 3-A winner — but rather a way to celebrate the players’ accomplishments.

“They’ve gone through a lot in the past month,” said Kowalewski, who paid for the rings. “If this night can put a smile on their faces and it stays awhile, then mission accomplished.”

There were plenty of smiles throughout the evening — as when a video showed former principal Joe Yeager wearing a deflated basketball on his head at a game during the season.

There was plenty of applause, too — as when Kowalewski presented rings to former Athletics Director Derrell Force and former head custodian Louis Lawson. Both were in attendance.

Force, Yeager and Lawson resigned from Northern on April 10, the same day Guilford County Schools officials went public with their investigation into allegations of ineligible players. Lawson later rescinded his resignation, only to be fired.

A Guilford County Schools investigation that is ongoing has determined that five students in four sports were living outside the school’s attendance zone. Those infractions cost the Nighthawks their basketball title and also forced the baseball, wrestling and junior varsity softball teams to forfeit competitions in which those students participated.

But none of that seemed to matter to Kowalewski and his players Wednesday night. Kowalewski praised the players, saying their work ethic and dedication were to be admired.

“That is what the kids are guilty of,” he said. “They worked harder than anyone else.”

Sophomore forward Jacob Lawson, Louis Lawson’s son, said it was nice to spend an evening talking about basketball and only basketball.

“It’s been very stressful for us,” he said. “All the other students ask us what we did wrong and if I’m coming back. I still don’t know what we did wrong, and I’m definitely coming back.”

Neal couldn’t take his eyes off his ring.

“I’m going to have this forever,” he said. “They definitely can’t take this away.”

Contact Robert Bell at 373-7055 or robert.bell@news-record.com

Accompanying Photos

Joseph Rodriguez (News & Record)

Photo Caption: Players received a ring and a plaque during the off-campus awards ceremony  at the Greensboro-High Point Marriott Airport for Northern Guilford High School.

Comments

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ForTheKids

May 28, 2009 - 9:22 am EDT

Having being in attendance at the awards ceremony last night, it was shown that Coach K was more than just teaching those kids about basketball. I have never seen such a humble group of young men. He was teaching those kids to be MEN on and off the court. He had a world class program and I can see why folks were hating him for that. Those boys worked hard for that ring. No matter what the "higher ups" say, they are the STATE CHAMPS. The ruling of the ineligible players are being debated and challenged. The boys, in their eyes, are the champs and should be recognized as so. Those boys didnt cheat. they whooped on teams up and down the coast. As far as they know they played by the rules.

But it is not all about basketball. Those boys work hard in the classroorm. One young man scored 1520 on the SAT. Perfect score on the math! GPA? Somewhere in the range of 5.6. Has his choice of schools on a full ride ACADEMIC scholarship. And he is a JUNIOR!!! Another young man, the MVP of the team, has a gpa in range of 4.2. The others are around and just under. They spoke highly of their coach. They stated that he made sure they excelled in the classroom first and on the court second. I have never seen such young men appreciative of the teachings they have received. They will go far in life not because of the way they bounce a ball, but how they strive for excellence and stand up to criticism and hatred that they must endore because of bigoted people.

upsetparent

May 28, 2009 - 9:58 am EDT

Well Said!! Couldn't agree more!

HNest

May 28, 2009 - 10:06 am EDT

Of course he has a 4.2. Since all the classes at Northern are called "honors" classes even the grades are being padded.

football-lover

May 28, 2009 - 10:22 am EDT

If you do not know this kid don't question his intelligence. He is probably smarter than you.

ForTheKids

May 28, 2009 - 10:49 am EDT

thank you football-lover. It is my understanding, that is his average since middle school. No matter how hard these boys work, there is always some "adult" trying to dis-credit their achievements. Sad

Utley

May 28, 2009 - 10:50 pm EDT

People should not speak that do not have facts. I will share with you a fact. The MVP has a 4.2 as a result of taking all AP classes. And so does the other player that has a 5.6. So unless you know a fact keep your opinions and sarcasm to yourself. Obviously you have no idea what it takes and how much goes into a GPA with AP classes!

FactGiver

May 28, 2009 - 10:08 am EDT

FortheKids, I respect your opinion but my main issue is that only a select few parents from the Northern Guilford crowd has accepted the wrongdoing of Coach K and the program while others continue and pretend, yes PRETEND, that no rules were broken and they didn't cheat. FYI, in case you missed it over the past month, using ineligible players or players that live out of district is cheating. These were pretty good kids prior to ever being involved with Coach K and much of their humbleness has come from the humility of their situation over the past few months, not any actions of Coach K. Refusing to admit guilt teaches children to be unaccountable and cowardice, that is what is to be learned from Coach K. He has done this at EVERY school he's been at so to continue and to pretend that some conspiracy theory has taken place to ultimately take down this program is truly sad if you believe that. Another thing, I greatly applaud the young men on that team who have earned outstanding grades and scores on the SAT. In the same sense, just because you are book smart, doesn't mean you weren't part of a cheating basketball program. Their is a distinct difference between academics and athletics, especially at this level. And the fact that you even mention bigotry at the end of your post shows how far you are from this situation in terms of coming to grips with cold, hard facts. You can run from the truth your whole life, and you'll never achieve salvation or happiness as a human being. This is high school basketball, it truly should NOT be this important, especially not important enough to have cheated, proclaimed innocense, be found guilty of wrongdoing, and now continue to sidestep the facts. Sad very sad....

ForTheKids

May 28, 2009 - 10:47 am EDT

First and foremost, my salvation or happiness is not destined by my opinion on this matter. Only the LORD knows my salvation. And my happiness comes from within, and not the opposite. Thank you.

Now in response to your comment. While I respect your opinion on this matter, it is that. Your opinion. The only people calling those kids cheaters are the adults like you. That is a strong word and is not warranted. The players did not live out of district. We can debate this all day. This is why the decision is being challenged. The team is made up of 15 players. Only 2 were so-called found ineligible. Those 2 young men did not win those games. It takes a team. Could have they still have won without those players? Absolutely!
As far as these young men humbleness, most of it came from Coach K. They said it themselves, before this even happened. These are pretty sharp young men. These kids were not worried about who lived where or did what. They wanted to excel in the classroom and play basketball and thats what they did. We should let them be kids and honor them for that and their achievements. Any ill feelings you have against Coach K, keep it against him. Leave the kids out of it. Adults like yourself want people to kneel down just because everyone says to. If they feel they did no wrong, then they have every right to feel that way. Not you or anybody else has the right to control someone else's feelings or the way they think. Nobody is running from the truth. We are facing it and not letting people dictate our thoughts and actions. Bottom line, those boys achieved both on and off the court. That's the whole point of being a student-athlete. I applaud them for their achievements and wish them future success as I do with ALL the kids. We all should do the same.

TOTHE POINT

May 28, 2009 - 12:41 pm EDT

To "for-the-kids" first of all let me say that I am not from the area and I do not have a horse running in this race. Meaning I do not know the difference between Northern and the county schools that you mention. But, I will say that I have read a number of comments and there are many in this posting, but, yours sticks out. Why, becasue it is evident to me that you are a parent (you must be since you attended the awards banquet) and that you may be a bit bias. I do not know if you son played a lot or rode the bench, however, in response I think the issue you are missing and maybe some of those whom you are responding to is that of accountability. Let's look at history and recent events. All of those bank executives that got large financial bonuses when the banks were failing - why did they get them? They took and accepted those rewards because they thought they worked hard. But, remember the banks were failing and most of us (maybe you as well) were losing money in our retirement funds. Those people that pad their resumes and say they did work and have degrees that they don't - should they be rewarded? My point here is that you are being clouded and taking it personal by the attacks on your kid and others whom you believe did not play a role and who were just on the team. Your Coach K is not a good role model, why?
Because he is teaching indirectly that padding resumes and spending others money when there is none to spend is ok - unless you get caught. You, and others have noted that he has not been accused of anything. True, But, his actions suggest to me that he knows and has been involved more than has been indicated. Has it occured to you that maybe he just has not been caught. I will submit that some of the accusation are hard to prove. So maybe you need to step back and not respond so defensively and ask yourself the question - WHO IS TRULY ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL THIS MESS? .

ilvteaching

May 28, 2009 - 1:32 pm EDT

To the Point,
Forthekids posts should stand out because he is apparently a parent and knows what he is talking about.

The fact that ForThe Kids is trying to point out (and no one listens because they know so much) is that the kids DO live in the district. They were ruled ineligible because of information given to the state that was INCORRECT. That is why they are fighting, as we type, to get their eligibilty back.

The district went after Coach K because of allegations of recruiting. They fired three good men and then went looking for the evidence. There was NONE. Whether you think he was recruiting is really irrelevant, to have your life turned upside down based on rumor is not right -I was brought up to believe you are innocent until proven guilty. and Coach K does GREAT things for those boys. When/if the state rules that those boys were wrongly declared ineligible, Guilford County will look terrible. All they had to do was not renew his contract. Instead they chose to tear apart the school. It will be interesting to watch.

As an aside, FactGiver, you would do well to let people worry about their own salvation and happiness. Do you know Coach K, or do you make these judgements based on what is in the paper? and isn't there something in about judgiing others in the bible . . .oh, and bearing false witness . . . hmmm

TOTHE POINT

May 28, 2009 - 2:00 pm EDT

TO ILVTEACHING, it is my understanding that the false information that you say was given is being challenged. It is also my understanding from reading the same news print that you read (unless you have an in) that the false info was provided by parents. If that is the case there still is an ineligility factor here. You need to tell me what was the content of the ineligility as I do not see where the board or HS association will overturn anything. However, getting back to my point in my original posting. The fact is whether the information submitted was false or not the primary point is that Coach K is sending the wrong information to those kids. You do not reward wrong activities just like you do not give bonuses to CEO who did not do their job. Moreover you take jobs away from people who provide false information on their resumes. Do you see where i am going with this? Frankly speaking I think you are spinning your wheels. The person conducting your investigation and the superintendant both have legal backgrounds and I would say that they and the district and the NC High School Athletic Association would not make the moves that they have without having the goods on someone. They may not have all of the goods but it seems to me that they have enough that your principal and your AD resigned. No one resigns their job after the threat of being fired if they feel they are in the right. They would have stayed on board and got an attorney and fought. Their quietness up to this point suggest that they had no choice but to resign.

ForTheKids

May 28, 2009 - 2:10 pm EDT

The had no choice to resign because they were threatened with their pension. They were given an ultimatum. Resign and keep your pension or we are going to fire you and you lose everything. They were given a time limit and with no legal counsel. We all have families to provide for. In today's economy, which would you choose? And with the CEO's, that was done intentionally. This was not done intentionally, because once again, THE BOYS LIVED IN THE DISTRICT. Not sure what part of that is not being understood. But this will all come to light soon enough without going into great detail, just to have it torn apart on here. The boys will have their day, and I will be there with a kool-aid smile.

ilvteaching

May 28, 2009 - 2:27 pm EDT

Yes, I have an "in" and no - the false information was not provided to the state by the parents. Keep watching . . it will be interesting. it will be a great day when it all comes out!!!

ForTheKids

May 28, 2009 - 3:18 pm EDT

ilvteaching~and what a great day it will be!

ForTheKids

May 28, 2009 - 1:44 pm EDT

To the point~ I am not missing anything. It is you that is missing the point. I am not going to repeat myself again.But as I have stated before those kids deserve the recognition and have worked hard for it. I applaud them. Enough said. As for my son, he is a 4yr old ball boy. So yea, I guess you can say he "rides" the bench.

Panacea

May 28, 2009 - 2:09 pm EDT

If the team could have won without these ineligible players, then why have them in the first place? Answer: the coach wanted to hedge his bets with ringers and improve his chances. But since there is no free agency in high school sports, he had to break the rules to get what he wanted.

Now the whole team has to suffer the consequences. That's what being on a team is all about. Victory and defeat are shared together.

Cheating is not too strong a word for the truth. I wish I could sort the innocent kids out from the guilty. I can't. So they all get tarred with the same brush.

While unfair, what that should be teaching is the lesson that when you cheat you hurt more than just yourself. However, Coach K, Lawson, and the former athletic director are obviously so selfish that the pain of others clearly means nothing to them.

ForTheKids

May 28, 2009 - 2:13 pm EDT

The boys were on the team because they tried out and made it. Simple. Look at the NBA, the Lakers have a whole bench but do they all play? No. Can they win without all those players? yes. It's called having a bench. Anybody who knew anything about a sport knows that. You never know when your main players gets into foul trouble, hurt, etc. So it is good to have a deep bench. Any good coach would love that.

Panacea

May 28, 2009 - 3:00 pm EDT

Again, you attempt to defend the indefensible.

You CANNOT use ineligible players. That's cheating. The coach cheated by using kids he wasn't supposed to use. Those two boys were on the team because Coach K wanted them there. Any "tryout" those two boys participated in was a farce because it was a given they were on the team. The ones who DIDN'T make the team didn't know that, however.

ForTheKids

May 28, 2009 - 3:03 pm EDT

How can I defend the innocent? I am commenting on what I know and not what I have read. Unlike some people. Those kids were there because their parents choose to send them there. Point blank period.

Panacea

May 28, 2009 - 5:49 pm EDT

Well, that's not what the superintendent is saying.

He says the kids were not eligible. And I believe him, because the coach's behavior is not that of an innocent man. It's that of an egotistical jerk who thinks the rules don't apply to him. Because the title would not have been stripped jus "cause." To say that the GCS would go through all this without there being truth to it, to say that the state athletic organization would strip the title without the evidence being there strains credulity.

So I guess you can't defend the innocent since they aren't there for you to defend.

CoachMann78

May 28, 2009 - 10:36 am EDT

You are exactly right, it is not about basketball. It is about taking ownership for your mistakes. This guy obviously still believes that he is the victim! How do you teach kids to be men by cheating to win? That is what he has done. Give it up! He has been caught! Move on! He will have to pay for his wrong doing just like you and I. Unfortunately, innocent student-athletes will have to suffer. If I was parent of one of the innocent students that had to be punished, then I would be mad about that! Those student-athletes deserve the praise for the work they done in the classroom. That has nothing to do with the fact that some players were ineligible. I am not taking anything away from them academically, but to support this coach for doing wrong, sends the wrong message to these students. I do not see how parents can support anyone when they are wrong! Just think, if none of the players were ineligible, none of this would be taking place.

ForTheKids

May 28, 2009 - 10:52 am EDT

He hasnt been caught doing anything. Was there an article or something that I miss that stated he was caught doing something?

CoachMann78

May 28, 2009 - 12:47 pm EDT

The results of the investigation showed that he played ineligible players. Do you need an article to see that he cheated? Are you telling me and the people on here that the coach did not know that those players lived out of district and were attending illegally? Come on! He knew and he got caught! Stop it. Let him pay for his mistakes and move on. The sad part is that the kids who were enrolled in the school legally are the ones that are getting a raw deal. It is a mess. If he takes responsibility for his actions, then the situation will heal itself. But if he keeps trying to play the victim role, it makes him and those that support him look extremely bad.

ForTheKids

May 28, 2009 - 1:48 pm EDT

I read where it says they found ineligible players. Didnt read where it says they cheated. That came from over zealous posters as yourself. And yes I am saying Coach K had no knowledge of ineligible players because there was none. The fight continues, and the truth will come to light.

Panacea

May 28, 2009 - 2:12 pm EDT

Using an ineligible player IS cheating. Jeez! What is this? The State of North Caroina or the State of Denial?

ForTheKids

May 28, 2009 - 2:18 pm EDT

Not sure what state you are in but I am in North "Carolina". Not in denial either. What I am in is a State of "ForTheKids". Which "adults" have been bashing them for no reason. Sad situation that we must resort to calling kids such names when they have done no wrong. They will have their justice. And I will be the first to say " I told ya so"

barbati

May 28, 2009 - 2:55 pm EDT

I'm still waiting for OJ to catch the real killer.

Panacea

May 28, 2009 - 3:02 pm EDT

Pathetic. Your total lack of morality and honesty is sickening. You are in complete denial about the actions of these kids and this coach. You bury your head in the sand and go, "nanananananan I'm not listening to you!" because you can't bear to accept accountability for your role in this mess.

ForTheKids

May 28, 2009 - 3:12 pm EDT

Morality? Honesty? lol You dont even know me. Don't speak on what you do not know. And you're an educator? What school? I want to make sure I don't send my kids there. I am speaking for the kids because people like you seem to like to beat them down when times get tough. I am not in denial because I know what I speak of and not what I read in the papers and listen to "gossip". Just because my opinion differs from yours does not make it wrong. And what role do I have in this mess? Because I applaud the kids for standing up for what they believe in? Please give me a break! If everyone bowed down just because people like you said so, we still being living in the "Bush" era. What is pathetic is people like you, who won't let the kids bask in their achievements. They did nothing wrong! They will have their justice and make people like you eat crow. And I will be there with a spoon feeding it to you.

Panacea

May 28, 2009 - 5:57 pm EDT

I don't want to know you. You are not the kind of person I would associate myself with on purpose.

I know enough about you from your actions to know you have no more integrity than the coach and the cheating players. Because your defense to their behavior is "what's the big deal, everyone else does it," and "but the kids worked so hard, they deserve to keep their title and it doesn't matter that there were two ineligible players, and the other kids didn't know so it wasn't really cheating because the whole team didn't know."

It's not gossip. The Superintendent of Schools and the GCS administration have publicly stated they have evidence of using ineligible players by Northern High: 5 ineligible players. They also say they're not done with their investigation. Green would not have had not only the basketball team, but other teams forfeit games and championships/championship shots on mere rumor.

So I will need to see real evidence that no cheating went on before I will believe you. I believe you are a sour grapes parent who doesn't want to face the fact that your kid won a championship in a rigged game. I don't want to know someone like that.

These kids didn't achieve anything worth basking in, because they "won" it unfairly.

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