It was going to take more than sub-zero temperatures and refused access to the school to stop a peaceful protest at Lakeland College.
Roughly 40 people gathered at the college over the lunch hour on Feb. 4 to share thoughts and feelings on the firing of long-time championship women’s basketball coach, Chris King.
King was officially canned on Dec. 5, 2024 after being put on administrative leave on Nov. 28, 2024. Since his firing, King’s players, assistant coaches, and members of the community have been vocal about the decision and the lack of communication from within the college.
The college was made aware of the protest weeks ago and took measures to bring in additional security to ensure protesters didn’t step inside the school.
“With everything going on, life doesn’t feel real. We never thought we’d be where we are now and life’s been completely uprooted, for everyone in the community,” said fourth-year women’s basketball forward and nursing student Bethany Montebon.
“It’s been really good to feel and see the support people are willing to give, we appreciate everyone.
“Thank you for taking time out of your day and standing for what’s right.”
Former assistant coach and long-time Rustler, Tori Dugan, was next to speak. Dugan voiced the importance of applying pressure and making sure the player’s voices are being heard.
“This isn’t just affecting our lives, the girl’s lives, and Chris’ life, it’s affecting a lot of people and we need to keep our foot on the accelerator,” said Dugan. “The leadership team at Lakeland has done absolutely nothing to support us, the girls, the community, and we need to keep it up.”
“There is such thing as Freedom of Speech, so we need to keep going.”
“Thanks for the support,” added Alabama native and first-year transfer Andria Stitt. “We’re going to keep supporting the community as you guys keep supporting us.”
Guard Sarah Dacuycuy, who’s been quite vocal about the situation since things unfolded, struggled to hold back tears as she shared her thoughts.
“We’re fighting for what we believe in and fighting for that truth. Everybody should know by now,” she said. “This doesn’t feel real right now … as players, we’re supposed to walk in for playoffs in a few weeks and grow what Chris built for a long time.”
Aside from a handful of King’s former players, members of the community, including recent council hopeful, Russell Moncrieffe had something to say.
“I don’t know all the ins and outs of exactly what happened, but something of this magnitude, there should be 1,000 people here, but you have enough to get started. Do not give up,” said Moncrieffe.
“There’s something seriously wrong with some of the people in charge of some of these public facilities. This is a community problem and it has to be solved by the community. I think you got some attention. Hopefully, you’re gonna get a lot more.”
Another community member to share thoughts on the day was Shaun Newman of the Shaun Newman Podcast.
“The one thing we’re supposed to do in a democratic nation is protest, and instead of them giving us a spot before we got here in -30 C weather, they send out a third-party security guard to tell us ‘You can’t stand in the plowed spot,’” said Newman.
“This is what happens in Canada these days; when things aren’t working, they act like you’re not there and put walls up against us.”
“They won’t even allow you in the college to share your piece, and that’s very fitting.”
Read more: Rustlers complainant signs with new team
