Coach honored for sportsmanship

MINSTER - Girls cross country coach Jessica Magoto was honored Monday night for demonstrating good sportsmanship to a competing school at state competition.

Magoto was presented the award by Tim Atkinson, head cross country coach of Liberty Center High School.

"It is a great honor in our program to receive this award as it is determined by a person's action and not their words," Atkinson told the board.

He said the award was given to Magoto for the support she provided his team during the recent state finals in Hebron. The Minster girls team placed fourth and Liberty Center placed fifth in the same division.

Magoto consoled a few of his runners after their performance and gave them words of encouragement, Atkinson said.

"This award is voted on by our coaching staff and our students and usually it is a Liberty Center athlete," he said.

Magoto graciously accepted the award.

"You know when you are surrounded by good people by the words he just spoke. This is what I will frame and put next to the pictures of the teams and awards," she said in response to Atkinson's written speech.

Board members also recognized the high school football team for its recent state championship in Division VI.

Minster resident Renee Arnold spoke to the board about the possibility of limiting student athlete participation to one varsity sport per season to help them focus and dedicate themselves to a single sport.

"We cannot depend on kids to dedicate themselves to more than one sport. Think about the pressure they have in one sport, plus their academics, plus if they have a job, plus with what their parents ask them to do," Arnold said.

She said students who participate in more than one sport often suffer injury and burnout, which hurt team spirit.

Athletic director Josh Clune said there is no rule on the topic. He said the matter could be discussed at the next athletic committee meeting.

The board also on Monday approved the purchase of a school bus for $90,047. The bus includes a security system and a backup camera.

Tim Jay, head of maintenance at the school, thanked the school board and other administrative staff for the opportunity to serve the school. He is retiring after 30 years with the district.

"I would just like to thank all school boards and administrations - past and current - I have worked with. It was a job, but it was not a job. I had a great time," he said.

The board of education approved his retirement in May, superintendent Brenda Boeke said.

Board members also,

• accepted an $1,800 donation from the Minster Civic Association for an identification badge maker.

• accepted $11,720.90 from the Minster Academic Boosters for playground equipment.

• set the school board's organizational meeting for 7:30 p.m. Jan 12. Board president Connie Meiring will serve as president pro temp for the meeting.

• approved action to continue the compensation for school board members at $50 per month for 12 months.