Rockwall-Heath head football coach on leave after students require medical attention from workout
Jan. 10—Rockwall-Heath High School head football coach John Harrell was placed on administrative leave Monday after a number of students required medical attention, and in some cases hospitalization, following an eighth-period athletic class, according to a letter sent to parents by school Principal Todd Bradford.
Meanwhile, the school district is bringing in a third-party to investigate the matter, which apparently stems from forcing students to perform multiple pushups, according to the letter.
The situation occurred Jan. 6 during an off-season program, and school officials learned of it Monday after several parents reported that their kids required medical care, and "in some cases hospitalization," according to the letter.
On Monday, the campus athletic trainer met with student-athletes at Rockwall-Heath and advised them to report any of the following physical conditions:
* Inability to bend or extend your arms
* Inability to lift your arms above your head
* Dark urine
* Sharp arm pain.
Additional symptoms to watch for include lack of urinating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy or loss of consciousness. The trainer and school nurse will monitor any student who reports any of the conditions, the letter said.
"Student safety is a top priority at Rockwall ISD and we will continue to take immediate and appropriate measures in the best interests of our students as well address this situation, said Bradford's letter.
A former assistant coach, Harrell completed his first season as head coach at Rockwall-Heath in 2022. Harrell had been serving as an assistant coach and was coordinator of Heath's running game. He replaced Mike Spradlin, who retired. Harrell's coaching resume includes stints as an assistant coach at Stephenville, Midlothian and in the Garland ISD and he's also served as an offensive coordinator and a head powerlifting coach.
He could not immediately be reached for comment.
