By Robert Medley
Senior Staff Writer
Week one of high school football in the Oklahoma City metro area was marred by a shooting death at a home opener in Choctaw, at a time school security has been at the forefront of classroom and campus issues.
While focus has been on resource officers at school during class hours, violence erupted at a football game last Friday, Aug. 25 in Choctaw where one person was shot to death during the Choctaw and Del City game.
The gunfire sent players, coaches, fans and others running across the football field to safety.
No arrest had been made as of Tuesday, and the victim was identified as a Midwest City High School student.
In Yukon, high school football returns to Miller Stadium at 7 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 1 for the home opener against Westmoore.
Extra precautions are expected.
Yukon Public Schools spokeswoman Kayla Agnitsch said school resource officers will be at the game in full force and for each home game.
“Yukon Public Schools collaborates closely with the Yukon Police Department to ensure enhanced security measures and comprehensive security plans are in place,” Agnitsch said. “This goes for all our public YPS events.”
Yukon’s school resource officers and additional security personnel will be present at Friday night’s game to ensure safety.
The extra law officer presence is needed this year on high school football nights, according to El Reno Public Schools’ Superintendent Matt Goucher.
El Reno hosts Piedmont this Thursday night, Aug. 31.
“Obviously this is a scary situation for everybody in Oklahoma,” Goucher said. “You hate to hear about things like this happening. We want to make people feel as safe as they possibly can.
“I feel horrible for everybody involved in Mid-Del and Choctaw. Those are great districts and I feel for them. We want everybody in the state to feel safe.”
Canadian County Sheriff Chris West said he is collaborating with police and school officials to beef up football game security.
“We’re going to do everything we can do to make sure our sporting events and venues are safe to protect our most precious resource, our children,” West said.
WEAPONS PROHIBITED
Piedmont Public Schools’ officials released a statement Aug. 28 reminding people that weapons are prohibited.
Anyone who attends a game is expected to adhere to school and event rules and regulations, the statement reads:
“Weapons are prohibited at school-sponsored events or upon any school property, school transportation, or school-sponsored transportation, in accordance with Piedmont Schools Board of Education policy.”
In case of emergencies or unforeseen incidents, “attendees should follow the instructions of event staff, administrators, and security personnel,” according to the statement.
Mustang Public Schools’ spokesman John Kirk Wilson said school officials are meeting about the safety issues this week.
“The safety and security of our students and staff is our utmost priority,” Wilson said.
Canadian County sheriff’s deputies patrol near games and can provide extra security on game nights.
Piedmont will travel to El Reno for the Canadian County rivalry at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.
In Mustang, the Broncos open their season at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 against Southmoore.
The Yukon and Mustang football game is Friday, Sept. 23 in Yukon.
