Las Vegas reeling after hazing reports

Staff, first-year coach suspended, 6 players removed from team; ex-program head in 'complete disgust'

Lee Yobbi | The New Mexican

8/16/2008 - 8/17/08

LAS VEGAS, N.M. — The story struck like a lightning bolt, branching out like electric fingers through the community.

It shocked as it spread on Thursday: New Mexico State Police and Las Vegas City Schools were investigating alleged hazing and possible criminal misconduct involving 14 members of the Robertson High School football team, said city schools superintendent Rick Romero on Friday.

The alleged incidents reportedly occurred during a retreat at Western Life Camp in Gallinas Canyon, 15 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

"I have no comments right now," said first-year Cardinals head coach Ray Woods, who along with his staff has been suspended indefinitely with pay. Woods spoke on Saturday.

Specifics of the alleged incidents have not been divulged by officials as the investigation is ongoing.

"I contacted the District 2 Office (which is handling the investigation), there's no new information on the case," said state Police spokesman Lt. Eric Garcia on Saturday.

But that hasn't stopped the proceedings in the court of public opinion.

"There's no secrets here," said lifelong resident Richard Tripp, who held various coaching positions at West Las Vegas High School from 1979-2006. "The town is buzzing. It's the main conversation in the coffee shops. It took all attention away (from other things) in a heartbeat.

"And everyone has an opinion."

As a result of the investigation, Woods and his entire staff have been suspended with pay indefinitely, according to Romero, who is 33 days into the job. Athletics director Mike Yara has also been suspended with pay in what Romero said is "standard operating procedure." The six players that are accused of wrongdoing against the eight others have been removed from the team, and their status as students at the high school is pending as of Friday, said Romero.

The story pains the hearts of two people in particular: Art Abreu Sr. and Chad Roanhaus. They were the last two men to lead the program before Woods was hired in late January.

Abreu guided the team for 12 seasons, resurrecting it from near ruin to an 80-49 overall record, a pair of District 2AAA titles, three 2AAA runner-up finishes and the 2002 Class AAA State Championship game.

Abreu's son Art Jr. also went through the program and went on to play at New Mexico Highlands University. Abreu Sr. has deep-rooted feelings for the Cardinals. They have never drifted far from his passion.

"Total disbelief and complete disgust at the lack of professionalism," said Abreu Sr. "This is on the AD. He hired this guy. (Woods) has no credentials."

Abreu Sr., who did not apply for the Cardinals job, said this puts another stain on the reputation of the city of Las Vegas, which has suffered some tarnish over the years for various reasons.

"This will be in most people's minds for a while." said Abreu Sr., who is entering his 25th year as a teacher at Robertson. He currently teaches Biology and Anatomy.

Roanhaus has moved a few miles down the road as the head football coach at NMHU, but the Robertson program was his baby. It was his first head-coaching gig. He suffered through a 1-9 season in Year 1, then helped propel it to unprecedented success. The Cardinals won back-to-back Class AAA state titles in 2005 (the school's first) and 2006 and earned three straight District 2AAA titles from 2004-06. Robertson also appeared in the 2007 AAA title game, losing to St. Michael's 27-6 on Dec. 8.

"My first thought was for those freshman," said Roanhaus of the alleged victims, "and what they had to (allegedly) go through. And for their families."

Roanhaus met with Cardinals player Nathan Abreu, a relative of Abreu Sr., and they talked after a scrimmage on Saturday morning.

"I told him to let other people handle this," said Roanhaus. "Those seniors have been to three straight championship games. I said 'all you need to worry about is how to get back.' "

Roanhaus said he does not know Woods, the former Highlands assistant, very well. He said that for his programs, at least, there are things that can't be ignored.

"As a coach, the first thing I teach is supervision," he said. "And hazing is illegal. You have to put in their heads that things like that aren't tolerable."

When asked if Woods, a first-time head coach, might have overlooked some things, Roanhaus replied: "It can't happen. It can't. You're taught the safety of young men is first."

Contact Lee Yobbi at 986-3041 or lyobbi@sfnewmexican.com.