Football coach stands to lose job?

More than 40 people attended Tuesday night’s school board meeting in support of Bonners Ferry High School Football Coach Ed DePriest.

Rumor has it, according to  group spokesperson junior football player Colton Watt, that DePriest could lose his coaching job. Since taking over the helm two years ago, the Badgers have gone 2-7 in the Intermountain League and 4-12 overall.

Superintendent Dr. Don Bartling could not comment on DePriest because it’s a personnel issue. Bartling did confirm that DePriest is still the coach.

When contacted Wednes-day morning, DePriest also would not comment.

“With all due respect, I really can’t discuss it at this point and time,” he said. “It’s really not proper.”

The school board also had no response to Watt, who was allowed to give a three-minute presentation.

“The board cannot respond to you tonight,” said trustee chairwoman Melanie Staples. “We do have a procedure to follow.”

DePriest was hired in December 2006 to teach physical education and weightlifting at the high school. He took over as head coach for the fall 2007 season.

“We want to support him for what he had done for the program,” said Watt, a team captain who plays tight-end. “He’s built up a weight-lifting program and brought in off-season programs that have benefited us.”

“He brought together a young team, but a good team,” Watt continued. “He’s given a lot of dedication. He’s not only built up a program, he’s built up a family.”