Faribault Superintendent Awaits Apologies

Faribault Public Schools Superintendent Todd Sesker told KDHL AM Minnesota listeners today he has heard from just one of the five school districts involved in Saturday's dance competition protest. Sesker noted only the superintendent from Eden Prairie has phoned to apologize for his team's behavior at the event. Other schools involved were Wayzata, Eastview of Apple Valley, Lakeville South and Chaska. Sesker said it was the "poorest display of sportsmanship" he's ever witnessed. He hope to hear from the others soon.

Sesker emphasized that the Emeralds were cleared by the Minnesota State High School League of any wrongdoing and the coaches from the other dance teams were notified of that fact before the state competition at the Target Center in Minneapolis. He said the Emeralds handled the situation with class and the Faribault and Bethlehem Academy communities can be very proud. Sesker also put a public shout-out to the Cannon Falls dance team for being supportive during the ordeal on Saturday and with their attendance at Tuesday night's Falcons girls basketball game where the Emeralds were honored at halftime for their state championship. A pep rally was also held Tuesday afternoon, with Nomeland Gym packed to the rafters with students and other supporters in attendance.

The Faribault superintendent believes there needs to be more of an emphasis on sportsmanship at state tournaments and suggested a trophy be awarded to the school displaying the best sportsmanship after the state championship trophy is presented.