School Sports Teams Lose Coaches Due To Yuba City Teachers Strike
YUBA CITY (CBS13) - The Yuba City Unified School District teachers' strike is having an impact on students outside the classroom.
The strike is affecting fall sports programs at Yuba City and River Valley High Schools.
"It's weird playing without our coach cause she's our rock, I don't know it's like we're missing a part of us," says volleyball player Ella Steel.
For Ella and her fellow Yuba City High School JV volleyball team, the teachers strike is having an impact on the court. With their head coach on strike, another member of the coaching team - whether a volunteer or someone outside the Yuba City Teachers Association - is having to step in.
"I feel kind of lost cause our coach is the one that gets us going, she gets us motivated," says Ceitera Berthold.
According to the Yuba City school district, if coaches, assistant coaches or teachers who typically volunteer at games are members of the YCTA on strike, they must step away from the team.
Nancy Aaberg, the superintendent of the Yuba City school district says, "if they strike then all of their duties are suspended."
Most middle school games are canceled for the time being since most of the coaching staff are teachers.
"It's extremely disappointing. My daughter played her first game yesterday and her second game was canceled or put on hold because there are no coaches because their coaches are teachers," says parent Denea Rexroad.
But for high school teams - especially football where this makes the biggest impact - walk-on coaches like Eric Niccum are filling in.
"I was asked to take the responsibility on and make sure the boys have an opportunity to play. So myself and three other coaches are taking on the responsibility to coach two games," says Niccum.
All three head football coaches at both Yuba City High School and River Valley aren't able to coach their teams.
"It's really about the kids that things stay as normal as possible and that they can enjoy the games," says Brett Bosanek, JV football coach at River Valley high.
As of now, the football games are set to be played as scheduled. No game cancellations known at this time.
But for the students having to deal with the stress and impacts of the strike in the classroom, these extracurricular activities are there outlet. And they're hoping to get their season back on track.
"I'm hoping this all gets resolved and we have our whole team back," says Berthold.
