PHOTO PROVIDED Former teacher and Bellefonte track and field coach Chris Friedhoff, left, was inexplicably omitted from coaching contract renewals by the school board in January. Supporters have launched a petition calling for his reinstatement.

BELLEFONTE — The Bellefonte Area High School track and field team opened its spring season Monday without a jumps coach after longtime coach Chris Friedhoff’s name was inexplicably left off the school board’s renewal list.

An online petition is now calling on the Bellefonte Area School Board to reinstate him, with organizers seeking 1,000 signatures before tonight’s board meeting, where supporters plan to speak.

As of Monday, the petition, which was organized by parents and supporters of the program, was over halfway to its goal with more than 600 signatures.

“His dedication, passion and expertise have inspired many students to push beyond their limits and achieve excellence not only in athletics but also in their personal lives,” said Holly Knepp, petition organizer. “The students, parents and community have all felt the positive impact of his leadership, yet the school board recently decided not to renew his contract without providing any explanation.”

After resigning as a teacher in August 2025, Friedhoff’s contract was not brought before the school board for renewal alongside other volunteer appointments in January, even though he had been previously approved to coach the Indoor Track season, which concluded in February.

At last month’s school board meetings, students, parents, alumni and the Junior High track and field head coach urged the board to reconsider his omission.

Those close to the program said the decision left them shocked and dismayed, as Friedhoff’s coaching consistently demonstrated commitment to the growth and success of students both on and off the field.

“His absence poses a significant loss to our team, and we fear the long-term effects on our students’ athletic and personal development without his guidance,” said Knepp, who is also the parent of a team member.

The issue has sparked frustration among parents and community members, who say the board’s lack of communication leaves them without answers or direction.

“So far, the board and superintendent have refused to respond with any clarity as to why they refuse to re-vote on the issue,” said Nate Knepp, Holly’s husband.

District officials cited personnel policies in declining to explain the decision and reportedly told parents they will not revisit the matter.

“The lack of transparency from the superintendent/school board in this matter is concerning and warrants further scrutiny. By not providing a clear rationale for their decision, the superintendent/school board not only disrupts the cohesion of the track team but also disregards the significant benefits a supportive coach brings to the educational environment,” said Holly Knepp. “We urge the Bellefonte school board to reconsider their decision and to provide a clear explanation for this abrupt change. Our community deserves transparency and a say in the development of our children’s education and extracurricular activities.”

Organizers are encouraging community members to sign their change.org petition and attend tonight’s school board meeting at 7 p.m. in the Bellefonte Middle School Cafeteria. The petition can be signed online at www.change.org/p/please-support-coach-freidhoff.

“Even if you don’t wish to speak, simply attending sends a powerful message,” Holly Knepp said. “Let’s fill the room and make our support visible to the board.”

Supporters are also encouraged to email the board and superintendent, at boarddl@basd.net, to share their thoughts.

“The school board and superintendent are trying to ignore us, hoping we will just go away. Let’s show them that we won’t,” Knepp said.