On May 30, FFRF Robert G. Ingersoll Legal Fellow Colin E. McNamara wrote to Aaron Zalis, superintendent of Rolla Public Schools in Rolla, Mo., to issue a complaint against Marty Hauck, coach of the Rolla High School baseball team. Hauck used his position as head coach to promote his religion to his players, and admitted to praying with the team before every game. While Hauck has since stepped down as coach of the baseball team, FFRF wrote to ensure Hauck does not use his other coaching position on the school’s wrestling team to further evangelize Rolla High School student-athletes.
On June 7, Counsel to Rolla Public Schools Thomas Mickes wrote to FFRF to relate that the district’s athletic director has met with Hauck, and will conduct meetings with all district coaches to emphasize First Amendment requirements.