Vandals hits Middletown High School North

BY JOSH DAVIDSON
Staff Writer

JOSH DAVIDSON Those around the district were angry to see the brand new track at High School North vandalized on Saturday night.

MIDDLETOWN — A school rivalry may have gotten out of hand as graffiti sprayed on the new athletic track at High School North has frustrated the school community.

"It’s disgusting, I mean terrible," board member N. Britt Raynor said.

"Whoever did this should really be ashamed of themselves," said A.J. Watkins, a High School North track and cross country team member from 1989 to 1992.

The school’s athletic bleachers, sports press box, booster club building and a mural with the school’s mascot were all damaged by graffiti. Some words sprayed in paint include "North sux," "South Rules" and "Come get South" were found on Oct. 12. Defaming statements against a female student were also included in the graffiti.

Graffiti favoring High School South does not mean the damage was done by a student from the school, Raynor said. It could have been done that way to lead people to believe it was done by someone from South, he said.

"It could very well have been someone from [North], but I don’t think so," said Jason Venson, a High School North football player from 1995 to ’98. "Most of the people that go here have pride in their school."

Police are investigating the matter, but have no suspects, township Deputy Police Chief Joseph Braun said.

It’s too early to determine the cost of repairing the track, which has yet to be used in formal track meets, Raynor said. However, the track will have to be repaved, he said.

"It will very easily be thousands and thousands of dollars," he said.

The new track, part of the $250,000 spent on renovations to North’s athletic fields, made its debut at the school’s first home football game a few weeks ago, Raynor said.

Some of the graffiti was removed or painted over by the school’s staff and members of its booster club on Sunday, he said.

Raynor said the vandalism is equal to vandalizing a home. Many students spend so much time at the school that it’s like their residence, he said.

"Whoever did this does not care about High School North," he said.

Students that know anything about the incident should report it to either a principal, guidance counselor or teacher they trust, Raynor said.

"Any student that knows anything about it, whatever they say will be held in the strictest confidence," he said.

The entire district is upset about what happened, and the board will seek prosecution and restitution for damages, he said.

"I think school rivalry is definitely something that is good to have, but I think this went well over the line," Venson said.

High School North varsity cross country and indoor track Coach Bob Welsh always makes sure the track is taken care of by those who use it, Watkins said.

"He’s going to flip when he sees this," Watkins said.

Students have been known to be mischievous at the school, "but I’ve never seen any thing such as this," Venson said.

Watkins, who graduated in 1992, and Venson, a 1998 graduate, both said they still use the track.

"I try to get out here a few times a week," Watkins said. "I always come out here because it brings back memories."

The district did a great job restoring the track, Watkins said.

"It brings me back to the way it was when I was 7 or 8 years old watching games," he said. "I’m glad we finally have the pride we used to have back."