Published: February 25, 2009 01:33 am      

Knupp suspended from academic coaching

Pending school investigation

RUSSELL — Matt Knupp has been suspended as Russell High School academic coach pending the outcome of an investigation of actions that led to the postponement of the written assessment portion of Saturday’s regional Governor’s Cup competition at Boyd County High School.

Russell School Superintendent Susan Compton confirmed Tuesday night that Knupp has been temporarily relieved of his duties as coach of one of the state’s most successful academic teams while an internal school system investigation continues of the incident. His teaching duties continue.

“I would rather not say anything else at this time,” Compton said while attending Tuesday night’s regional boys basketball game between the Russell Red Devils and the Greenup County Musketeers.

Danna Powers, coach of the Boyd County academic team and regional contest manager, said she received a call from the Russell academic team Friday informing her the school system’s transportation director had banned bus transportation until 11 a.m. Saturday because of concerns about possible inclement weather.

The written test portions of the academic competition were to begin at 9 a.m. and be over by 11 a.m. Because of the absence of the Russell team, only the quick recall portion of the competition was played.

Coaches from seven other area high school have filed complaints with the Kentucky Association for Academic Competition concerning the contest. Some have called for the suspension of the Russell team.

Compton said again Tuesday her main concern was for the students on the academic team. She earlier said Russell students should not be blamed “for decisions that adults have made concerning this academic competition.”