2008 Woodie Awards
Sprinters and hurdlers coach resigns
Mike Pina
Issue date: 11/13/07 Section: Sports
Three weeks ago, Kevin Fauntleroy served as the sprinters and hurdlers coach for Delaware's track and field team. He was popular among his runners and was respected by his fellow coaches who knew him for his hard work.
"Kevin was a really good coach," track and field head coach Jim Fischer said. "His kids improved a lot under his tutelage and training theory."
Fauntleroy resigned amid rumors involving sexual harassment charges stemming from comments made toward a member of the women's track and field team, junior distance runner Gregg Cantwell said.
Cantwell said the situation involved an unidentified sprinter on the team.
"Coach implied something or called a freshman sprinter a name that made her upset and then her parents got involved," he said.
Cantwell said the situation was blown out of proportion. Fauntleroy was speaking about a female runner he knew years ago, who he referred to as "Buffy." The nickname was not meant to be flattering and when he implied it toward a current runner, she took it the wrong way and became offended, he said.
Junior sprinter Alexi Capsouras said the situation is more private and it should only concern the team and those directly involved.
"The only thing that really needs to be said is that Kevin resigned and we were able to quickly acquire a new coach, who is very excited to work with us and we are happy to have," Capsouras said. "Kevin was the best coach I've ever had. I came here and got my personal best times under him."
Fischer said he was surprised by the coach's departure after the allegations.
"I wasn't with the ins-and-outs of the situation and I wasn't involved with the decision-making process that led to his departure," Fischer said.
Cantwell had nothing but positive comments to say about Fauntleroy.
Sophomore sprinter Alex Tingue said Fauntleroy never had the chance to inform the team of his resignation.
"The athletic director met with us, along with student services, and told us Coach Fauntleroy had the option of resigning or staying with the team," Tingue said. "He left because he thought it would be best for the team. A couple of us e-mailed him just to wish him well and thank him for everything that he did."
"Kevin was a really good coach," track and field head coach Jim Fischer said. "His kids improved a lot under his tutelage and training theory."
Fauntleroy resigned amid rumors involving sexual harassment charges stemming from comments made toward a member of the women's track and field team, junior distance runner Gregg Cantwell said.
Cantwell said the situation involved an unidentified sprinter on the team.
"Coach implied something or called a freshman sprinter a name that made her upset and then her parents got involved," he said.
Cantwell said the situation was blown out of proportion. Fauntleroy was speaking about a female runner he knew years ago, who he referred to as "Buffy." The nickname was not meant to be flattering and when he implied it toward a current runner, she took it the wrong way and became offended, he said.
Junior sprinter Alexi Capsouras said the situation is more private and it should only concern the team and those directly involved.
"The only thing that really needs to be said is that Kevin resigned and we were able to quickly acquire a new coach, who is very excited to work with us and we are happy to have," Capsouras said. "Kevin was the best coach I've ever had. I came here and got my personal best times under him."
Fischer said he was surprised by the coach's departure after the allegations.
"I wasn't with the ins-and-outs of the situation and I wasn't involved with the decision-making process that led to his departure," Fischer said.
Cantwell had nothing but positive comments to say about Fauntleroy.
Sophomore sprinter Alex Tingue said Fauntleroy never had the chance to inform the team of his resignation.
"The athletic director met with us, along with student services, and told us Coach Fauntleroy had the option of resigning or staying with the team," Tingue said. "He left because he thought it would be best for the team. A couple of us e-mailed him just to wish him well and thank him for everything that he did."
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