By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
The first week of high school football in the Oklahoma City area, called week zero, 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 Friday, Aug. 25 at Choctaw where one person was shot and killed during the Choctaw and Del City game. The gunfire sent players, coaches, fans and others running across the football field to safety.
An arrest of a juvenile was reported Wednesday.
The victim was identified as a Midwest City High School student. And an off-duty police officer reportedly shot a man in the chest during the chaos.
Canadian County Sheriff Chris West said he is collaborating with El Reno 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.
The extra law officer presence is definitely needed this year on high school football nights, said Matt Goucher, El Reno Public Schools Superintendent.
“Obviously this is a scary situation for everybody in Oklahoma. 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,” Goucher said. “Those are great districts and I feel for them. We want everybody in the state to feel safe.”
El Reno hosts Piedmont Thursday night, Aug. 31 for El Reno’s home opener. School officials discussed ordering metal detectors for the entrance gates, but decided against them for the home opener.
Piedmont Public Schools officials released a statement Monday reminding people that weapons are prohibited.
“The safety of our school community is always our top priority,” a statement read.
All who go to a game are 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,” the statement from Piedmont reads.
Meanwhile in Yukon, high school football returns to Miller Stadium at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 for the home opener against Westmoore.
Extra precautions are expected.
At Yukon Public Schools, spokeswoman Kayla Agnitsch said the 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. This goes for all our public YPS events,” Agnitsch said.
The Yukon school resource officers also serve with the Yukon Police Department, she said. The officers , along with additional security will be present at Friday night’s game to ensure the utmost security and safety.
In Mustang, spokesman John Kirk Wilson said, “The safety and security of our students and staff is our utmost priority. School officials are meeting about the safety issues this week,” Wilson said.
“We contract with Mustang Police and the Canadian county Sheriff’s Office to ensure our games are covered by a law enforcement presence, and we have emergency and safety plans in place to cover a variety of scenarios,” 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.
Read the Piedmont-Surrey Gazette and follow piedmontnewsonline.com for updates.
