HS Football: Williams Valley parents discuss their side of coaching situation
Williams Valley's players talk with the coaching staff during pre-game drills prior to their contest with Nativity earlier this season in Williamstown (Photo by Leroy Boyer).
TOWER CITY — The resignation of head coach Stephen Sedesse and assistant coach Mike Sedesse on Monday was the culmination of a messy series of events involving the Williams Valley football program, those close to the program have revealed.
Monday, Stephen and Mike Sedesse resigned after 2.5 years guiding the program. You can read that story here: www.t102sportsnow.com/2025/10/06/hs-football-sedesse-steps-down-as-williams-valley-head-coach/
Tuesday, the parents offered their side of the situation in a statement sent to T-102 Sports Now by the Williams Valley Football Boosters, a group made up primarily of the parents of the team’s players.
Multiple attempts by T-102 Sports Now to contact the Williams Valley High School administration Tuesday were not returned. That response will be added to this story when it is obtained.
In a statement, the Williams Valley Football Boosters said the following. The statement is printed word for word:
“We, the parents and supporters of Williams Valley football, would like to address the recent resignation of coaches Stephen and Mike Sedesse. We understand that Coach Stephen Sedesse drafted and sent his resignation letter to media outlets before, or at least in conjunction, with his tendering said resignation to the school district. In doing so, he is attempting to control the narrative, making false allegations of threats from parents and giving the appearance that the current situation is due solely to ‘out-of-control parental complaints, insubordinate players and lack of support for the coaching staff by the Williams Valley administration.’ We would like to share our side of that narrative.
“The reality is that the reasons behind the parental complaints and ultimate suspensions of these two coaches — that apparently led to his decision to resign rather than address — are complex and difficult issues that are not fodder for public consumption. They include personal issues involving minors, inappropriate language and behaviors, and an atmosphere that was anything but team friendly. Moreover, we believe the Williams Valley administration handled the information and issues presented to them in the best way possible for the staff, students and community. For that, we say thank you!
“We recognize that football is tough sport, played by tough young men, and that tough coaching is still considered to be the norm; however, when tough coaching crosses over into regular and wide-spread personal humiliation tactics combined with efforts to create an atmosphere of blame and rivalry between players and coaches rather than promote team spirit and unity, the athletes suffer. When allegations of threats are fabricated and small infractions are falsely escalated and reported as far more serious, it fosters mistrust and misinformation. When there is a lack of respect shown for both players and assistant coaches, it causes good assistant coaches to walk away rather than deal with constant confrontation and accusation. There have been at least five well-respected assistants, excellent football players themselves, who were not able or willing to work with Stephen and Mike, to the detriment of the whole program. All of which raise doubts regarding whether or not the students’ well-being was ever a priority or concern. How can we, as parents, trust those same coaches who put down and belittle their players to parents and team-members alike, to support and promote our athletes? We are hopeful that the coaches who have remained and stepped up and stepped in can help our players move forward in a positive and supportive new start.
“Luckily this negative and dysfunctional dynamic failed to tear the team apart but instead led to an even more unified team! A team who, one after another, went to the school’s administration to be heard on their concerns. In the midst of a 6-1 season, with two district championships behind them, these young men were willing to risk it all to say enough is enough. They came forward, stood up for what they believed was right, and declared that they would stand together. Clearly this is not about wins and losses, it’s not about stats, and it’s not about “soft players” or whiny over-protective parents. It is about teamwork, mutual respect and the love of a sport that had been lost for many of them.
“We are so proud of each and every member of our Williams Valley football team, who demonstrated more maturity and integrity than most of the adults involved! Go Vikings!”
Sincerely, The WV Football Boosters
