Bakersfield.com

In reaction to the initial reports, both print and televised, regarding the arrest of East Bakersfield High soccer player Ryan Woolley, I am somewhat disappointed in the way in which young Mr. Woolley is being treated. 

Every report has been solely based on the perspective of the "victim" and his teammates.  I, as well as hundreds of others, witnessed this soccer match between EBHS and San Joaquin Memorial, and it was highly competitive throughout.  However, the adults on the field, and the security in charge of crowd control, were horrible, and partly to blame for what occurred following the match.  The head referee on the field only handed out only two yellow cards the entire game (which included two 10-minute overtime periods), a game in which players were getting extraordinarily "chippy".  For every penalty and stoppage in the game in which rewarded EBHS, SJ Memorial players were in the faces of the referees, as well as taunting the EBHS players. 

Many players after the game were commenting on the lack of sportsmanship on the part of SJ Memorial.  How dare Coach Martinez of SJ Memorial comment on the poor behavior of EBHS in a television interview.  And how dare a local TV station only get the perspective of one team's coach and not the other's.

The school security at the game was not on its game either.  In a CIF Section Championship game, security is responsible for gauging the potential for any dangerous activities to occur, and should be lining the field in anticipation of the final whistle.

In defense of Mr. Woolley, we have not heard any of his side of the story.  Many people on or near the "pitch" that night say they witnessed SJM's Liam Hall, whom had been very rambunctious in celebration during and after the match, come up from behind Woolley immediately following the final whistle.  From many accounts, it seems as if Woolley acted in self-defense and elbowed (not punched as was initially reported) Hall, which resulted in moderate injuries to Hall's face.

I personally have coached Ryan Woolley and have had him and his family at my home, and can vouch that he is a very nice and unintimidating young man.  Of all of his siblings, he is definitely the most soft-spoken, and has always been polite in his dealings with teammates, coaches, as well as his competitors.  From my knowledge he has not had any disciplinary problems relating to violence whatsoever.  So for Ryan to be treated as a criminal by San Joaquin Memorial, Kern High School District officials, and anyone else making judgment based on initial reports is not fair until his perspective of the incident has been heard.  Granted, the way in which Ryan acted that evening warrants disciplinary action, and disappoints many who know him including myself.  If an investigation proves that Ryan acted inappropriately without being provoked in any way, he deserves the appropriate penalty to be levied upon him.  Had this incident happened on my watch, Ryan would not be let off the hook easy, yet I would have also come to his defense any way possible.  That is what a good young man he is.

I have questioned the method in which this incident has been handled, and have asked if EBHS was playing a school in which their players' families could not afford private legal assistance, would Ryan have been arrested?  Would the KHSD have treated this situation differently if the incident happened between two low-income schools?  Ryan has a bright future ahead of him in anything he sets his mind toward, whether in athletics, academics, or the work force.  For him to have a felony cloud looming over him without due process would be unjust.  Ryan's parents should look into all avenues of the legal system in order to help their son to avoid this from happening.

Keep your head up Ryan, and continue to stay positive through it all.