Editor,
I read Mike Ellis’ opinion on Coach Bishop’s discipline by the Green Forest School, and, although I was not a witness to any of the events that led to Coach Bishop’s suspension, I do know that he was reinstated because of overwhelming support by Green Forest parents and team members. I have my own opinion about Coach Bishop’s character, based on personal experience.
My son played football for Berryville High School when Coach Bishop was head football coach there. My son is the youngest of 10 children and felt the pressure of keeping up with his older siblings. He developed attitude problems in high school that alarmed me. Coach Bishop was one of the teachers my son admired, so I contacted him and asked for his help.
After two years of personal attention and guidance from Coach Bishop, my son graduated with good grades, attended college, and is now successfully pursuing a career. Coach Bishop had a unique understanding of my son’s problem – he also is the youngest of 10 children – and he was willing to do the extra work it took to help my son be successful in school. For that, I will forever be grateful.
I understand why Coach Bishop had such overwhelming support at his appeal hearing, and I believe the Green Forest School Board made the right decision when it listened to the team members and parents.
Kathy Robinette