HEATH, Texas — Parents whose kids attend Rockwall-Heath High School issued complaints against the Hawks' football coach, alleging he made their children perform multiple push-ups as punishment, and it resulted in medical intervention — even hospitalization in some cases.
A Rockwall-Heath letter, authored by Principal Todd Bradford, said coach John Harrell required students to comply to the push-up punishment on Jan.6, 2023, during the eighth period of an athletics class — but the school administration wasn’t made aware until Jan. 9. On that day, parents made their calls to the school to inform them of the matter.
Reports indicate that Harrell directed the students to do between 300 and 400 push-ups.
The district swiftly moved to address the issue and give aid to their students — placing Harrell on administrative leave as an open investigation pends. “To thoroughly investigate any connection between the activities in class and student illnesses, the district is retaining an independent third-party to investigate the event,” read Rockwall-Heath’s letter.
On Monday, Rockwall-Heath’s athletic trainer reviewed the following symptoms at the start of the athletic class and advised student-athletes to see the trainer should any apply:
- Unable to bend or extend arms
- Unable to lift arms above your head
- Dark urine (tea or cola colored)
- Sharm arm pain
Other symptoms to look out for are lack of urinating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy, or loss of consciousness. Rockwall-Heath assured parents that the athletic trainer and nurse will keep monitoring students.
“If you or your child have concerns regarding your child’s health, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s physician as well as the RHHS Head Athletic Trainer at 469-698-2636 ext. 2637. Finally, please contact campus administration, the District Athletic Department at 469-698-7364 ext. 7363 and/or District Student Services Department at 972-771-0605 ext. 7071 if you have any additional questions.”
