Durango High School head track and field coach David McMillan was suspended Friday by the Colorado High School Activities Association for what the organization called conduct detrimental to the organization. He will not be allowed to coach the Demons at this weekend’s state track and field meet in Lakewood.
McMillan was critical of CHSAA’s decision to postpone the state meet for two days after Durango and several other Western Slope teams had made the trip to the Front Range. The coach also voiced his displeasure that decision-makers weren’t proactive in delaying the meet when a storm was imminent, which cost DHS about $2,000 per day.
“I’m just sad for the kids,” McMillan said. “That’s what it’s supposed to be all about.”
According to CHSAA Assistant Commissioner Bert Borgmann, McMillan’s suspension was based on a culmination of issues and not a single incident. Borgmann said CHSAA Commissioner Paul Angelico would not comment on the suspension.
“Mr. Angelico is not available to discuss this or any other personnel and member school discipline issue, which this remains,” Borgmann said. “The only thing I can add at this point is that this was a culmination of issues and not a single.”
Borgmann cited the CHSAA bylaws, including clause 2420.13 (d) regarding suspension. It reads: “The effect of a suspension shall be to drop the school from membership and to prohibit participation in any or all CHSAA-sponsored activities. The length of suspension shall be determined by the Board of Directors. This penalty may also be assessed against individuals for conduct detrimental to high school activities.”
CHSAA would not elaborate on the actions by McMillan that were determined to be detrimental to high school activities.
CHSAA officials also were critical of a story published in Friday’s Durango Herald about the postponement of the state meet.
“I’m still gathering the facts and getting bits and pieces of information,” Durango High School athletic director Adam Bright said. “It’s too early to talk about what might happen next.”
The Demons have seven assistant coaches who will take care of coaching duties in McMillan’s absence, Bright said.
Durango Herald Sports Editor John Livingston contributed to this report.For updates on this story, check www.durangoherald.com.jfries@durangoherald.com