Yukon’s Moon wants coaches to walk out
Yukon tennis coach Barney Moon knows he’s on a solo mission.
He’s hoping for reinforcements.
While thousands of teachers have marched on the state Capitol grounds this week to vocalize the need for more funding for Oklahoma classrooms, Moon is one of the few (perhaps the only) in the metro area that has also walked away from his role as coach.
“It doesn’t feel morally and ethically right to coach while the walkout is going on,” Moon said. “I think we are sending the message that athletics are more important than education by continuing to play and practice.
“I think it’s time to walk out on athletics, too.”
Moon said he did not come by this decision lightly.
In the weeks leading up to the walkout, the 22-year veteran teacher polled his colleagues at Yukon High School to see what they thought he should do in regard to athletics.
The results came back mixed with some
telling him to stick with his athletes while others said walking away from his 18-year position as tennis coach would be a more impactful message.
In the end, he decided it didn’t set right with him to coach during the strike.
Moon gathered his team in his Oklahoma History classroom and explained to them his decision.
“Hardest thing I’ve ever done in coaching,” Moon said, his voice cracking with emotion. “I just let them know that this is not easy, but I don’t feel right.”
To his surprise, he had the full support of his players.
They gave their coach hugs, told him they understood and then surprised him even further when they told him they would see him out at the Capitol.
“This is our time of the year,” Moon said. “To know they supported me and their teachers meant the world.”
Yukon was scheduled to appear in a tennis tournament this week.
Moon said he left it up to his athletes whether or not they wanted to play without him.
He said he would support their decision either way.
All week long coaches from around the state have shared their desire to keep coaching during the walkout to ensure a piece of normalcy for athletes and to not hurt any possible future athletic opportunities some students might have.
Moon thinks the walkout might end sooner, and in a way that benefits schools, students and teachers more, if more coaches joined him.
“Who is more vocal than sports fans?” Moon said. “If little Johnny isn’t able to play in his sport, those sports parents would call
their representative to tell them they want schools properly funded and teachers and coaches go back to work.”
As the fifth day of the Oklahoma teacher walkout ended with some promise of more funding for school classrooms, facilities and supplies, Moon left the state Capitol with a sense that there was still more to be accomplished.
Already several large school districts have announced that the walkout will continue on into next week.
“I didn’t cause this thing, the legislature did,” Moon said. “Now that we have the chance, we should get what we came for.
“This is my small, personal movement, but I’m hoping it won’t be for long.”
“Hardest thing I’ve ever done in coaching,” Moon said, his voice cracking with emotion. “I just let them know that this is not easy, but I don’t feel right.”
Yukon tennis coach Barney Moon