Windber head football coach Matt Grohal will be back on the sidelines Week 9 against Northern Bedford County.
After being placed on administrative suspension amidst a Windber Area School District and Windber Borough Police investigation into an alleged hazing incident involving former members of the football team, Matt Grohal has been reinstated as head coach of the Ramblers effective, Oct. 15.
"The Windber Area School District has completed its internal investigation regarding the recent hazing incident and the level of supervision within the football program," said in a media release sent by Windber Athletic Director Mark Ott. "The District’s review concluded that while procedures are being enhanced to strengthen supervision in athletic areas, the head coach was not at fault for the incidents. No coaches, including the head football coach, received notice or complaints from the student-athletes regarding the concerns brought forward prior to the district becoming aware."
Grohal will coach the remainder of the season, but will resign at the conclusion after 15 seasons at the helm of the Ramblers.
Defensive coordinator Frank Tallyen, who served in the interim role Week 7 and Week 8, will become the new head coach at the conclusion of the season, according to the release. Windber fell to Everett 7-6 in Week 7, then bounced back with a 14-10 victory at Berlin Brothersvalley.
According to the release, "Coach Tallyen brings a strong coaching background, deep ties to the program, and a continued commitment to the success and character of Windber student-athletes."
Grohal has 107 career wins and has led the Ramblers to a pair of District 5 championships.
"The District wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Coach Grohal for more than 25 years of dedicated service to the Windber Ramblers football program," the release said. "His leadership and commitment to student-athletes have made a lasting impact on our school and community and putting the team first above himself is a gracious gesture to close out his tenure. The District thanks him for his remarkable contributions and wishes him the very best in his future endeavors."
The Windber Borough Police filed charges in Somerset County juvenile court against two former members of the football team that included counts of unlawful restraint, indecent assault, hazing and harassment.
The alleged incident took place between 2:32 p.m. and 3:54 in the Windber High School weight room and adjacent rooms, Sept. 24.
Windber school district began an "internal conduct investigation" during the team's open week. The Ramblers were close to securing a game with a school from Ohio, but when the allegations came to light, Windber stopped any further contact in filling its Week 6 opening.
On Sept. 25, the Windber Borough Police became aware of the alleged incident and opened its own investigation.
There was no evidence that would indicate that any coaches or anybody at the school was aware of the alleged hazing incident occurring, according to Windber Borough Police Chief Andy Frear, when charges were filed against two unnamed juveniles.
Windber school district has since taken measures to reinforce weight room monitoring policies, and that the weight room, adjacent rooms and athletic areas are supervised at all times.
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Windber coach Grohal rejoins football program following suspension
Category: General Sports
