Schulenburg baseball coach charged with having improper relationship with two former students
Schulenburg baseball coach charged with having improper relationship with two former students
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Wed Nov 21, 2007 01:22:54 CST
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Thu Dec 6, 2007 10:47:19 CST
I totally agree with mapcolorqueen's comment. . . . .however I also believe that everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But with all that said, knowing Coach Colon myself, I won't be surprised if he ends up being found guilty.
Tue Dec 4, 2007 11:14:46 CST
First of all, let me say to all of you who believe the fault is in the girls you must have no idea about anything that holds truth in this story. Growing up and being close friends with both of the victims that came forward I can assure you that these allegations are anything but a lie. I knew the people the girls were before Colon messed up a precious part of their lives, and still knowing the girls now I see women who are very different. I read that someone wrote these girls wanted it, and they go out wearing slutty clothes asking for it. Excuse me, but unless you are sick in the head I don't see how anyone would want to be raped. Besides that, the school has a strict dress code, and no one is allowed to wear clothes that are even remotely inappropriate. I remember Colon flirting with everyone, me included. So, when I heard the truth from my friends first hand I was shocked it had happened to them, but not surprised in the least that it was Coach Colon! Neither of the victims really care whether or not people believe them. They know God knows the truth, and just pray that justice is served. I pray for his family. How horrible a thing to have happened to them, but he made a choice, and now he must pay.
Mon Dec 3, 2007 20:27:59 CST
Knowing Coach Colon, I am not at all suprised by these allegations. Kudos to the victims for stepping up and saying something. For those of you who blame the victims, imagine it being your child or even you. How would you feel? By coming forward, victims of sexual assault help to protect YOUR children from predators. Sure, some kids make things like this up, but these are serious allegations and I doubt that is the case in this incident. I support the victims and pray for all the families involved. I hope for everyone's sake he's not guilty, but if he is, I hope he accepts the punishment.
Sun Dec 2, 2007 01:55:07 CST
As an extremely close friend to not only one, but two of his victims, I wish everyone who doesn't believe these allegations could see what I have seen. I wish you all could have been there when one of my best friends who I have never seen cry in my life, told me the painful details of her encounter. I wish you could have seen the hundreds of phone records with INCOMING calls and texts we highlighted to give to the police. Most of all I wish you could see the pain in her eyes that I see everyday because after witnessing that, there would be no doubt in your minds. For those nonbelievers out there, however, it's okay. One day you'll realize the truth. One day you'll see the pride in my best friend's eyes as she realizes the decision to tell was the right one. And one day you'll see smiles on the students of Schulenburg's faces because now they don't have to worry about someone stripping them of their innocence. For this man and his family, I will only give my prayers. To say you still love this man and that you hope he will change is understandable. But to say you respect him, is saying you respect a monster who preys on vulnerable girls and takes away from them something so precious it leaves them untrusting and hopeless in all their future relationships. As for my friends, the victims, they appreciate any support and prayers sent their way. They understand many people won't believe them or understand them, but they don't care. They know they did what God had intended them to, and they know that they saved many others from the pain they endured. They now that the worst is over, and they're looking forward to letting go and moving on with their lives.
Sat Dec 1, 2007 16:27:04 CST
If you are not a student at SHS, then you do not know the full extent of this issue. I can not believe that anyone would actually try to blame any female student for this. It is absolutely not the victims' fault and SHSmom you should be ashamed for even thinking that. People outside of school might know Coach Colon, but you have no idea how he interacts with the students. It was kind of weird when fellow classmates would text or call him during class. Yes we did hear rumors about teacher/student relations, but thats just what they were at the time..rumors. We can't accuse someone of molestation without proof. Oh yeah and Kerrie get over yourself, he flirted with every girl in SHS, and honey you should appreciate any prayers and support people can offer because yall are going to need it.
Tue Nov 27, 2007 14:00:35 CST
I have to agree....how stupid is this guy? I feel sorry for his wife and kids. How is she going to feel when she hears all the evidence stacked against him while in court? I just hope he has been honest with his attorney. That will be his only "life-line". Patrick is correct when he says his life is over. Never again will he be able to work with kids. EVER! SBEC is already investigating his actions and will probably revoke his certification. Kiss it all goodbye Patrick!
Fri Nov 23, 2007 21:37:13 CST
From what we understand, many students were aware of coach Colon's actions for quite some time, but what we don't understand is why no one spoke up sooner? Surely some kids told their parents, and if so, why did none of them speak up? This was apparently widely known by many, but no one said anything?? Finally someone was brave enough to come forward about this demented man, and save many young girls from future pain. Kudos to them!
Fri Nov 23, 2007 16:52:02 CST
Has anyone noticed how many teachers-coaches have been charged with messing with there students just this year? It's not only the male teachers that are doing this either.I recently read where a female teacher ran off to Mexico with her 13 year old student.Sounds like some of these teachers need to go back to pre-k. Evidently someone didn't teach them how to keep there hands to there selves.
Fri Nov 23, 2007 15:48:20 CST
I'm trying to think of way the kids could be responsible for what happened here and I can't come up with any reason.SHSMom, he may have(at one time) been a good guy, he may have(at one time) been a great teacher, he may have(at one time)been a great parent. However, if he's found guilty, he will have to start all over, because his record will be dirty for the rest of his life.
We all have to make choices in life. I'm thinking this fella made a couple of bad ones.
I'm a little stunned that anyone would imply that these girls are even remotely responsible for anything.
Fri Nov 23, 2007 15:38:21 CST
All teachers will be faced with the same thing at one time or another. All teachers should be prepared mentally, spiritually, and physically to just say "NO". Never be alone with a student, even in your room after school. Never write anything other than "Good Job" on a student's paper, AND Never work for an administrator that you don't trust. When YOU report the incident you want them to have your back.
If Colon even touched these girls, he needs serious help. If he crossed the line, as he himself said, his "life is over". I have never touched a student and I try not to even pat their backs. You can say "Good Job" and praise a student without contact. Shaking hands is ok.
Fri Nov 23, 2007 14:46:42 CST
AMEN, Shurelee! Could not have said it better myself.
But let me add--Colon was the only ADULT present at WHATEVER may have happened with the 16 and 17 year olds.
And for all of you who want to blame these children--in what society are YOU living where the CHILDREN are in control? Do you realize that by claiming this guy is at the mercy of a child (demonstrating that he has NO SELF CONTROL) makes YOU sound like a MORON, and makes your guy sound like a wimp???
Fri Nov 23, 2007 13:10:14 CST
SHSMOM,
PC was not a a twenty-two old, brand new teacher just out of college. At twenty nine, he would be expected to be mature enough to recognize that becoming involved with underaged girls would be considered ethically and morally reprehensible no matter how physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially mature he thinks they are or how they act.
Laws proscribing adult sexual relations with minors are on the books because minors tend to be lacking in the necessary life experience that leads to sound judgement in their choice of behavior.
His actions also showed how much he valued his relationship with his own children and the affect it could and will have on them. If proved guilty, he will have the title "registered sex offender" following him around forever and pretty much precluding any future opportunities to coach or teach. Perhaps even worse, that could also prevent him from visiting his own children until they are eighteena - a truely heartbreaking result of poor judgement!
Blaming the girls for what happened is both foolish and unfair since they didn't FORCE him to have sex - Colon was the adult here.
Fri Nov 23, 2007 12:31:28 CST
I am a friend of PC's. He is a good man who made a very bad choice. These girls were not children. They were 16 & 17 years old and they knew what they were doing and what they were asking for. He did not force himself on them. They kept flirting around with him. PC is a good man and there are many people who stand behind him. There are players/students who support him also. They do not support what he did but they support him as a person. He was there for a lot of kids helping them through difficult times. He has a good ear and kind heart. He should have just listened to his on advice. PC does not need to rot in jail. He does need to pay for what he did, if anything. But, then he needs to move on because he does have kids that need him and love him. I have known PC since he came to good ole SHS and I stand up for him. He is a great person. I support him 100% and I am proud to say he is my fried.
Fri Nov 23, 2007 00:26:44 CST
I sincerely hope Coach Colon is innocent of all the charges against him because then I won't be so bitter. My son's senior year of baseball was ruined because he had some problems and we trusted Coach Colon to make the wisest and best choice for our son and the team. My son made a bad choice, and we supported Coach Colon with his decision, knowing it was going to change our son's life forever. We supported his decision, because we believed Coach was making a moral and ethical decision for the team in everyone's better interest. But if all of this is true, and he was not even capable of carrying out moral and ethical behavior for himself, how can anyone trust that decisions he made for our children, his players, were right? Surely someone we trust to teach our children right from wrong and be a role model would no be so blatantly hypocritical? Or am I just being naive? If he is guilty, and I will wait to see what a court of law says, but if he is guilty, then I hope he will do what he expected our son to do and morally and ethically accept his punishment like a man.
Thu Nov 22, 2007 19:21:17 CST
To the comment that was stated "no matter what happens, someones life will be changed forever regardless of the outcome".......someones life has ALREADY changed FOREVER...the victim's. She will NEVER forget what happened and unfortantly, it will affect her adult relationships from now on.
Thu Nov 22, 2007 15:40:29 CST
does anyone know if the coach had a bond? anyone know how much? Sorry I am talking about the Victoria Coach that was caught peeping.
Thu Nov 22, 2007 15:28:58 CST
Why did this guy have to post a $30,000 bond, while Ratcliff walked on a PR bond? Is this just another case of a smaller county showing the idiots here in Victoria County how things should be done?
Thu Nov 22, 2007 10:49:31 CST
We all know as teachers that children will say things that are not always the truth or they might not always understand what was said. I have had this happen on a few occasions and it helps when your school authorities are behind you regardless of the accusations. All teachers need this support from their peers until proven guilty. It is a big responsiblity when it comes to being in education. You always have to watch what you do and say. It only takes one student to change your thoughts and life. We all need to hear the evidence before we point fingers or believe what is being said. This is a small town where everyone is in each others business and you will believe anything that is said amongst the people. Think about the families and what they have to go through. No matter what happens someones life will be changed forever regardless of the outcome. Give them a chance to say what they need to say in court and quit making the decisions. You are innocent until proven guilty. Remember that the law will decide what is true. Let them decide before you pass judgement on the innocent. Hear both sides of the story from both parties and then you can decide. As for his children, you don't have to worry about them. They have the support of their grandparents and the rest of their family. Please have respect for all of the family members.
Wed Nov 21, 2007 18:36:52 CST
It's a good thing his family is behind him because he is going to need all the support he can get, behind bars!!! He is guilty as ever, with a stack of evidence to prove it!! He is a sick man!!! I feel so sorry for his wife and kids. I personally know one of the victims and she has suffered so much since this has happened. She should be very proud of herself for bringing this to attention so that he can't hurt other young girls. She is not one of those young girls who go around 'flaunting' herself at guys. She comes from a very well respected family with high morals. I hope he rots in prison for his actions!!
Wed Nov 21, 2007 18:02:09 CST
That is great that his family is standing behind and supporting him! I cannot believe how close-minded these posts are. Once again we are back to missing the part of "innocent until proven guilty". My gosh, a story breaks and it's like a lynch mob. I am sick of hearing how adults are suppose to have 'control', etc, yada, yada, yada. They are human ... just as the "victims/former students". If these former students had relationships back then (under the age of 17) with another under the age of 17, is that OK? If they are old enough to make that decision, then they are old enough to make the decision to have a relationship with someone over the age of 17. The law looks at it differently, maybe it should be changed. Like I said in an earlier post, there are (and have been)way too many teenage girls that are looking for the relationship ... something is missing in their home life ... like love ... and they are looking for attention. Parents don't seem to want to control their children.
Wed Nov 21, 2007 17:05:36 CST
My family would be behind me too. Kicking me in the A$$ and saying things like, "What are you, stupid"???I have to assume that teachers receive some kind of training that lets them know not to let themselves get into situations like this. Outside of the common sense knowledge that would keep you from these situations.
I will again recuse myself from jury duty as this one is GUILTY!
Wed Nov 21, 2007 16:54:03 CST
Well first off I am Patrick's sister-n-law and just want to let anyone who has a comment on the accusations or charges on him, do not believe everything you hear or read! People are going to talk and say whatever they "think" they know to be true, and I guess we'll have to deal with that, but we know the truth about things and what's really been going on with him. People making up lies about what he's been doing and feeling, WOW, if you're a mindreader and can tell him what he's going through and thinking then you should really be doing something else with your time then making false accusations about him. As far as feeling sorry for his family and children, there's no need, we support Patrick 100% and are behind him ALL THE WAY! So if you want to have pitty or sympathy for someone, have it for someone else, We've got all the support we need in our family!
Wed Nov 21, 2007 13:03:20 CST
First off, I am a student at SHS. For the past few years, this has been a rumor going around. Now that it has finnaly come out, its a big I TOLD YOU SO, to those who defended this sick man. There is also a rumor saying that when he was pulled out of class he said " My life is over". How true that is I am not for sure. The fact still remains, this man is sick, and i have no sympathy for him. My heart goes out to his family, especialy his oldest son, who can understand what is going on. I hope the man rots in jail, me and him never got along, and treated me unfairly in school and athletics. I saw him on Halloween in a car with his wife dropping his kids off at his moms house i believe, and he is practicly anorexic. He has a guilty consience.Sorry for the spelling.
My prayers are with his family,and his kids.
Wed Nov 21, 2007 11:29:43 CST
I just so happen to be a teacher, and I would not tell anyone to change their profession. Allegations like these are extremely serious, and this coach is an ADULT. Regardless of any student's character, they are children who are supposed to be able to go to teachers for help. I would never want to quit teaching because of things like this, I know that I will NEVER be accused of anything like this because I am a professional who would never let myself be in this situation. Patrick Cologne IS a person who has no business working in any school stystem, and I am saddened that it took people this long to come forward. The fact that he is denying the charges and acting confident also makes me sick. He preyed on these girls, and he should pay for what he did. I also feel for his family, what an embarrassment he is to them. I hope others in small towns like Schulenburg will learn from this and realize that no matter where you are, you will eventually have to pay for what you do. -
Wed Nov 21, 2007 11:28:03 CST
Good post Bluegoose--Darlins64--Themis is probably one of those guys who forced himself on a girl in high school and is feeling a little guilty. His efforts to label all folks who report as revenge seeking losers out for personal gain speaks volumns as to his mentality.
The best thing we can all do for Themis is to IGNORE HIM.
Wed Nov 21, 2007 10:13:19 CST
oh man...I knew this was gonna happen...I'm from schulenburg played sports there and actually know this guy. What a sick person!!!! Poor kids! They will grow up and realizze what kind of father they have..one that messes with little kids...how come this wasn't in the paper sooner....
Wed Nov 21, 2007 09:38:12 CST
gender specific coaching is needed. How can a male coach check on his girls before games? How is he gonna relate to thier development stages and needs?? He has to go into that locker room, huh. Uniform changes that are needed or just get relaxed during travel he will be in that envirnoment. Then if a female coach is coaching a boys team how is the coach gonna check on the boys in the locker room. She has to go in, huh. She has to listen to thier male stories, jokes and problems. She too will be in an envirnoment just like the male coach on above paragraph.
some teams have this situation. its just the coach and the players. no team mom or dad who can go check on the team.
The coach is responsible for his/her consequences.
Wed Nov 21, 2007 09:23:46 CST
THEMIS, you obviously don't know Barefield well enough to spell his name correctly. I am assuming that you are male, although by your moniker you're leaning heavily on your feminine side. Themis was a goddess. The Titaness Themis introduced the ordinances that concern the gods, and instructed men in the ways of obedience to laws and Peace.
Themis, you should get a new name or go back to stopmakingsense, or au lapin or deafdumblind, etc because you have obviously failed in your attempt to instruct men [Ratcliff] in the ways of obedience to (moral) laws and ... peace.
As for your reference to Barefield as proof that people can be falsely accused, let 's just say that it is extremely unfortunately that some get away with their sins!
Wed Nov 21, 2007 09:20:51 CST
My son goes to Schulenburg High and played baseball for him. He along with everyone else are not surprised by the charges. It is know that he was recently working on a 15 year old girl whose family was very good friends with him. It is known that there were many other girls that are not involved in the actual charges. This man was sick. I really feel sorry for his wife and his 3 young children. They are the ones that will suffer.
Wed Nov 21, 2007 09:10:02 CST
Whoa! For anyone to imply that it was probably the student's fault is really disturbing. These girls (if they were girls) do walk around with "stuff" hanging out--the problem usually starts at home. Why don't moms and dads teach their daughters that they are NOT little boy toys, and that they deserve better than that?I was a teen once, and sure, I liked when I got attention from boys, but never sought the same from GROWN MEN! I do know girls in my class who did, and the coaches didn't exactly say "no" to them either. That's why they aren't coaching there, if anywhere if they're lucky. Has anyone ever heard of statutory rape? And it's not just the guys--I'm sure you've seen on t.v. about all the women teachers, like the one who actually got prego, going to jail because they had affairs with their students. What is going on? I certainly didn't bring my son and daughter into this world so that they can be little sex objects for some pervert! I don't think they're safe from anything or anyONE anymore. No wonder many are choosing not to have kids. Can't say I blame them.
Wed Nov 21, 2007 08:46:34 CST
THEMIS - I cannot understand your attitude! Why is it that you believe anyone who reports that they were a victim of a sexual assault, has to be making it up to get revenge? Yes, on very rare ocassions teenagers DO LIE about being victims. However, I would think that the police investigators would really look into that before anything else. My understanding of this is there were 2 seperate victims and the alleged incidents took place at differnt times. Because of comments like yours, Themis, it's no wonder many victims are afraid to come forward. Also, if this is just a "false" accuasation, why did the coach turn himself in? Catgirl - Yes, teenage girls often develope crushes on their teachers, especially the new, young teachers. And the styles of clothing young girls are allowed to wear these days could be considered "provacative", however, the teacher, as the adult, ultimately bears responsibility.
Before the age of 17, the state doesn't recognize the child's ability to consent to the alleged acts.
Wed Nov 21, 2007 07:47:41 CST
Catgirl--
I cannot disagree with you about how junior high and high school girls behave BUT---it does not matter. The adult is still responsioble for doing the right thing regardless of how the student is behaving. Period.
To believe differently is to say that this adult has absolutely no control over his behavior, and this is a really scary thought.
What would your reaction be if this story had been about this coach robbing a liquor store with a friend who talked him into it? Would you consider him responsible for his own behavior then? I think so!
Let's tolerate poor judgement in children--they are still learning. Let's NOT tolerate poor judgement in adults--they should know better.
Wed Nov 21, 2007 07:46:41 CST
Where's this guy's picture? The coach at Memorial who was arrested for "peeping" had his picture posted. Fair's fair.
Wed Nov 21, 2007 07:40:05 CST
B/c if you think about it, newbie coaches/teachers would only be what? ....22, 23 when they get out of college? Not much of an age difference there...
Wed Nov 21, 2007 07:38:50 CST
Hmpf, THAT wouldn't surprise me.
Wed Nov 21, 2007 06:21:38 CST
The article does not state the gender of the two former students (I am assuming they are female), nor does it state the age, with that said, I am sure men do these things sometimes, but do you know how often students 'throw' themselves at teachers? My brother-in-law was a coach in small towns many years ago (now retired) and I have heard firsthand how some of the female students behave toward young male teachers and coaches.
Wed Nov 21, 2007 02:17:42 CST
THEMIS: I am sorry but I follow your comments in several posts. Are you a single man having trouble finding a woman?Why do you find it hard to belive that MEN do these things sometimes. More often than we know of or like to admit!
Wed Nov 21, 2007 01:28:22 CST
Well College students change your major now from teaching or other human services field as this might happen to you !!! Coach Barfield went through the same thing in my day at Stroman and was vindicated, but at least his false allegation took place in real time not years latter. I wounder if the coach in this case refused them scholarship letters or paddled them or what to bring this up ? Who knows.