A high school track coach in Maine has resigned after he was accused of grabbing a 16-year-old female athlete's arm.
According to the Sun Journal, Spruce Mountain track coach Michael Morrell was charged with misdemeanor assault over the incident.
The alleged assault happened around 5:00 p.m. during a track meet at Leavitt Area High School. Morrell was seen by other athletes and spectators grabbing an female athlete by the arm.
The incident took place on May 21, and Morrell was placed on administrative leave May 22. He tendered his resignation on June 10.
According to The Main Monitor, which cited multiple sources, one person reported that Morrell “touched a female student.” Another said, “he assaulted a female student.” A source also said, “he put his hands on her twice.” Another witness said the girl had bruises from the incident. A person claiming to know the girl’s family said the girl didn’t need to visit a hospital or see a physician.
The incident was reported to the district’s athletics administration on the evening of May 21. Spruce Mountain superintendent Scott Albert was made aware of the incident the next morning.
Morrell has taught at several schools, including Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in Paris and Spruce Mountain High School in Jay. He also served several years as a director of the Regional School Unit 73 board in Jay.
