On July 31, Springboro treasurer Tracy Jarvis announced that a “special audit regarding summer camps run by (Springboro) coaches” was being conducted by the Ohio State Auditors Office.
Just days before, Holtrey was informed by the Springboro school board that his supplemental coaching contract would not be renewed, although he could reapply for the position. He has been the Panthers’ head coach for the past 21 seasons.
“They are legitimately concerned about what’s happened,” said attorney John Doll, whose firm specializes in labor law.
“Things have gotten way out of hand all of a sudden. We’re trying to figure out why there’s an investigation and the scope of the investigation. Obviously, they’re concerned about their course of action. They want good legal advice and they want to make sure it’s handled appropriately.”
Pelfrey and Benjamin said they have been advised not to speak about the legal representation. Wilhite and Holtrey did not respond to contact requests.
All four are teachers in the Springboro school district. Pelfrey has been the Panthers’ head baseball coach for 19 seasons. Benjamin has been the girls coach for eight years and Wilhite the football coach for six seasons.
In mid-June school board member Jim Rigano said a check for reportedly $130,000 had been made out to the Springboro Athletic Boosters Association by a booster officer. That was in response to the board’s review of booster financial reports to the school. Information about the large donation was forwarded to the Springboro police. That led to the state’s special audit.
High school and college coaches routinely run summer camps to supplement their incomes. There is no standard procedure about divvying up camp proceeds among coaches, booster clubs and schools in Ohio. That is being reviewed by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
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