The investigation regarding long time cross-country and track and field coach Pete Thomas has come to a close.
The reason for Thomas’s dismissal from Keene State College will not be released to the public or the cross-country team due to personnel issues, according to Kemal Atkins, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
Some student athletes have taken their opinions of the news regarding Pete Thomas to Facebook.
Alumni posted pictures with Thomas, including one alumnus who started a hashtag called #PeteThomasNation.
One current student, who wished to remain unnamed, wrote, “Never been so ashamed / embarrassed / disgusted to be a student-athlete at Keene State. Just lost the heart I had for this school.”
In regard to these comments, Atkins said, “We’re concerned about how students feel it’s unfortunate, however, we remain committed to the cross-country and track programs and supporting student success. We look forward to the opportunity to provide that program new leadership.”
Atkins continued, “When people feel certain ways of whether to support or to not support decisions that are made, they certainly have a number of outlets at their disposal to voice that and essentially that’s their right. And beyond that I really don’t have much of a response.”
When asked about whether Atkins could confirm or deny if Thomas’s dismissal was related to his athletic results and achievements Atkins said, “I can’t get into specifics of him not returning so I won’t get into confirming or denying any reason in him not returning.”
However, President Anne Hout was quoted in the September 11 , 2014 Vol. 67 Issue #1 of The Equinox stating that Thomas’s leave had, “nothing to do with whether or not he is a winning coach.”
Atkins also mentioned the athletes are not restricted from contacting Thomas, since the investigation has closed.
Atkins said, “As part of the commitment for us [President, Vice President of Student Affairs and Director of Athletics] to address any issues that are brought to our attention, we have to take action, and I think that is one of the charges of leadership and stewardship of the college that we have to face any type of issue head on and look into matters very carefully and make a decision that is best for its constituents,” Atkins said.
Kendall Pope can be contacted at kpope@keene-equinox.com