Renew coach Gatch's contract

Editor’s note: Clara Laird provided this statement she prepared to read during this week’s Havre Public Schools board meeting but was not allowed to read, with the board saying public comment cannot be made on personnel issues.

Good evening members of the Havre Public School Board, my name is Clara Laird, I am a sophomore at Havre High School. I am here to speak on behalf of Coach Ryan Gatch, and why he should continue to be the Head Football Coach at Havre High School. 

Havre Public Schools has a motto, Tradition of Excellence, and no one showcases that like Coach Gatch. Going above and beyond the standard by getting to know his players on a personal level and supporting them in everything they do, whether it’s big or small. Every kid matters to him. He supports all Havre High School students in all programs. Whether their activity is school related or not. This summer, when I made it to state for Chinook Lions Swim Team he cheered me on even though I was not on a Havre team. When I missed football camp for two days for my 4-H fair, he told me how proud he was that I am so involved. He went out of his way to watch the videos of the marching band performances and congratulated us on our hard work. Never once did he discourage me from doing anything I enjoy. It is coaches like this that change kids’ lives.  

When I was a young girl I always wanted to play high school football, and it didn’t hit me until after my eighth grade season how terrifying that would be to have to prove myself again.  When I met him my freshman year, he welcomed me with open arms into the program. He made sure that I was treated just like everyone else. The team welcomed me kindly, and never made any explicit comments, or inappropriate jokes. That was how my high school football career started and I cannot imagine a better way to be treated than as a part of the team. I fully believe that there would have been rude remarks and hateful comments if he had not made it very clear that that type of behavior was unacceptable. I have always felt if I ever had a problem I could talk to him about it and it would be addressed.  

This year, I needed female shoulder pads to fit my chest, and instead of being reluctant to spend funds on my behalf he asked for my size and ordered me a pair. This may seem small, but this is huge because he could have said no. Instead he went out of his way to help me out. He shows this care and investment in all of his players.  

Lastly, Coach Gatch sets a perfect example of what being a great Blue Pony is as head football coach. Showing all young people how to be positively involved members of their community. Given the recent negative attention the Havre Public Schools system has come under regarding inclusivity, I believe not renewing Coach Gatch’s Head Football Coaching Contract is unwise. A score on a board at the end of a game does not fully reflect the value of the Havre High School football program, how we as young people act and the choices we make truly reflects the value of the program. Coach Gatch is coaching us not just to be winners on the field, but to be winners in life.

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   Clara Laird