I don't know if this was posted already:
On behalf of the Captains of the University of Guelph Track and Field Team,
This has been a difficult year for our team, our coaches and the Guelph Track and Field community as a whole. Since October, our team has worked through uncertainty and frustrations, in turn yielding to shock, anger and most of all sadness. Although individuals have been affected differently, no team member has emerged unscathed.
The recent Globe and Mail article detailing the actions of our former coach, Dave Scott-Thomas, was deeply troubling and impactful upon us; as community members, as students and as athletes. The conduct of our former coach was abhorrent and inexcusable, as were the failings of multiple institutions to protect athletes. That so many details outlined in the article were unknown to so many of us only makes it worse.
We feel terrible for our past and current teammates and friends who have suffered and are forever appreciative of their courage in coming forward.
Although this season has brought extraordinary challenges, it has also brought our team closer together. While it is a sad truth that for some teammates, the win-at-all-cost mentality described in the Globe and Mail bore painful resemblance to their experiences of seasons past, it is equally true that such a mentality is not representative of the current team culture or leadership. We are committed to a culture that is intolerant of abusive behaviour and an environment where we support each other athletically, academically and as people. A team culture strengthened by a coaching and IST staff, who not only support our athletic endeavours, but whom we trust completely to hold the well-being of student-athletes as their highest priority.
Furthermore, while we share the larger community's outrage over the ineffectiveness of the 2006 investigation, the support we have received from the current Athletic Department as well as the University of Guelph has not gone unnoticed. The effort made this year to ensure the safety and well-being of team members, past and present, has been evident and genuine. Likewise, the transparency provided to us by Scott McRoberts and the Athletic Department has made clear that the current institution is not the same as it was in 2006.
As we prepare for championship season, there is no question that this team does not belong to the legacy of our former coach. Our team is not imploding. It is comprised of dedicated athletes and coaches who have overcome challenges and emerged more unified for it. We will continue to support each other as we represent our school and ourselves with pride and resolve. This season marks the beginning of a new era for Guelph Track and Field, and our best is yet to come.
The Team Captains
Guelph Gryphons Track and Field '19/'20