As the Warrenton boys wrapped up the home portion of its schedule on Tuesday, there was a noticeable absence on the Warriors’ sideline.
That’s because earlier in the day, boys' coach Mark Thomas was placed on leave, pending an investigation. R-III Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith confirmed the suspension of Thomas’ teaching and coaching duties.
“Coach Thomas is on administrative leave currently,” Klinginsmith said. “We’re investigating a situation that’s not connected to basketball. There is a situation that requires an investigation, and for him to be on administrative leave when we do that. I really can’t get into anything on it right now because it’s an ongoing investigation.”
When asked if the leave was related to anything involving a student, Klinginsmith maintained his position.
“This is an ongoing investigation,” Klinginsmith said. “I can neither confirm nor deny that.”
With at least one game left this season, March 3 against Parkway Central at Central in a Class 5 District 4 quarterfinal, Klinginsmith said he was unsure whether Thomas would return in time to guide the team at districts.
“There’s a chance that could happen, or there is a chance he could be back,” said Klinginsmith of the coach missing the postseason. “We’re just not sure what the investigation will uphold, and this will (go on) for as long as the investigation takes.”
Prior to Tuesday, Thomas had coached the Warriors to a 9-16 record this season.
When reached for comment, Thomas replied: “(I’m) proud of our team and to the seniors, thank you for all you’ve done.”
In the team’s loss to Holt, junior varsity coach Trevor Alberternst guided the Warriors while freshman coach Brandon Molinari led the junior varsity to a win over the Indians.
Warrenton athletics director Andrew Arnette said he was off campus on Tuesday and, when he got to school, had to immediately prepare for basketball games as the coaches were placed in their new roles.
“They’ve put in hard work and they’ve really stepped up and tried to help out,” said Arnette of the assistants. “They are both extremely qualified.”
Another potential factor in the administrative leave is that Thomas also serves as the boys' track coach.
Spring sports practices are scheduled to begin on March 2.
“Coach Thomas would be coaching basketball so that he wouldn’t have (been with the track team),” Arnette said. “We’ll have to see what happens there.”
