Hollister High football parents, athletes demand transparency after season suspended
By Jake Flores, Ricardo Tovar
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HOLLISTER, Calif. (KSBW) — Parents and student-athletes filled the Davis Library at Hollister High School during a San Benito High School District board meeting Tuesday night, calling for transparency after the varsity football season was suspended.
The district suspended the program while it investigates alleged off-campus behavior. The decision has affected not only football players, but also cheerleaders, band members and others involved in game-day activities.
“It sucks to be at home and look at your athlete and their tears and their pain, and you don’t even know how to fix it because you don’t even know what’s going on,” one parent said.
Several students said they believe the decision is unfair to athletes who were not involved in the alleged conduct.
“I don’t think the board or anyone making this decision realizes how many different kids and people they’re affecting,” one student said.
Another student said the suspension was especially difficult for seniors.
“It’s heartbreaking for athletes. It’s heartbreaking for cheerleaders. It’s heartbreaking for band,” the student said. “I’m a senior. This is the last year I have to cheer in high school.”
People familiar with the program also spoke with KSBW 8 on the condition of anonymity. They alleged the program has a history of hazing, including fights and acts of humiliation. KSBW 8 has not independently confirmed those allegations.
Other rumors have circulated on social media, but some students said those claims are false.
“None of this stuff is true,” one student said. “All you see on social media, none of it’s true. It’s all rumors.”
Another student said the allegations have harmed people who were not involved.
“The people that weren’t involved in this, they’re suffering because we had some bad apples,” another parent said.
The district has not announced how long the investigation will take or whether the team’s season could be reinstated.
A former district employee told KSBW 8 that investigations typically involve multiple steps and said the district appears to be following normal protocol. However, the person said the attention surrounding the situation has placed the district in a difficult position.
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