Editor’s note: Kelly Blankenship was cleared of all wrong-doing in the situation and continued to teach in the district at Shahala Middle School.
Kelly Blankenship was placed on paid administrative leave from his job as the Union girls basketball coach Friday “due to an alleged inappropriate incident with a player during an open team practice,” according to a release from Evergreen Public Schools.
Blankenship, in his second year as the head coach, said he is “disappointed and frustrated” that an incident or incidents were taken out of context, and he feels like he is “getting lynched.”
“I will stand up for my name,” Blankenship said.
Assistant coach Gary Mills coached Friday’s game at Camas. Union principal Brian Grimsted, in a letter to players and parents, said Mills will finish out the remainder of the season as the coach.
“We want to ensure your participation as a member and/or supporter of the Union High School Girls Basketball team is a professional and safe experience,” Grimsted wrote.
Blankenship, contacted late Friday afternoon, said he was informed earlier in the day of the action taken by the school district.
“I am a safe coach and very professional,” Blankenship said. “The two incidents happened over a month ago. This didn’t come up until after we started losing. I’m very disappointed, very frustrated. I run a safe practice and a professional program.
“Kids and parents were pretty happy when we were winning. It’s frustrating. I feel like I’m getting lynched.”
That Titans opened the season 5-1, but had dropped six of eight games heading into Friday’s matchup with Camas.
Blankenship would not go into specifics into the allegations.
“It’s nothing abusive that you can think the worst of, I can tell you that,” he said. “Evidently I held the wrong kid accountable, and it was taken out of context.”
Blankenship is a former Evergreen boys coach and has been coaching in the region for years. Blankenship teaches physical education at Shahala Middle School. That job was not impacted by Friday’s decision.
He said he hopes people who know him will support him.
“I’d never do anything to harm a kid’s self-esteem. I’m doing what’s best for the kids. That’s how I coach,” Blankenship said. “I’m far from perfect, but I’m doing what’s best for kids.”
Cale Piland, the district’s athletic director, said he has no comment, other than the district’s statement confirming Blankenship was placed on leave as well as Grimsted’s letter.
