By HAROLD KELLER

I’ve wanted to write this article for three weeks. I know that sometimes it’s better to leave things unsaid then to make an ugly situation worse. However, the more I think of Coach Ronnie Stephens’ forced resignation as football coach at East St. John High School, I can’t help but be convinced that he was treated unfairly.

I realize that many people don’t care about what goes on in the public school system, but I’m an exception for someone who doesn’t have any children, or grandchildren, in any of the public schools. I’m as much of a public school supporter as anyone.

Getting back to Coach Stephens. Over the past three years, he has asked me to be the football team’s chaplain. All that means is before every game, I have the privilege to share a three- to five-minute motivational talk and pray with the team.

I have traveled with the team on some road trips and accompanied them on two trips to Monroe. The bus rides were not something I looked forward to, but it gave me a chance to develop a relationship with many of the players and, especially, an opportunity to get to know Coach Stephens better.

Today, and I don’t use this term loosely, I’m proud to say that Ronnie Stephens is my friend.

A friend is defined as one attached to another by esteem, respect and affection; a true supporter. Yes, I repeat, Ronnie Stephens is my good friend. I’ve heard it said that good friends are like fancy chocolates. It’s what’s inside that makes them special.

Does he have many character defects? Probably as many as most of us. With all of his negatives, his biggest positive is that he is real.

Did he do a good job as a coach? You be the judge. In four years as head coach, his record was 30 wins and 16 losses. Three out of four seasons, he took the Wildcats to the playoffs. More importantly than that, he cared about the players.

If he really is the man I think he is, why the forced resignation? I think the whole deal stinks! A deal? Maybe. A fair assessment of his duties? No way. Will Coach Stephens be OK? I have no doubt.

He’s been a friend, and I’m grateful for our relationship.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477 or write to P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084.