Facebook Users Support Removed Chesapeake Coaches

In response to the removal of  athletic director Chip Snyder, and varsity wrestling coach Paul Tolle from their positions, parents and students turned to Facebook to show their support for the coaches.  

Snyder and Tolle were removed from their positions after concerns were raised of unsafe student behavior during a trip last month to an Eastern Shore wrestling tournament, county schools spokesman Bob Mosier told Patch. Not long after, a Facebook page titled “Show support for Coach Snyder and Coach Tolle” was created.

Snyder remains a physical education teacher at the school, Mosier said. Tolle is not a teacher.

The Facebook group had reached 126 members as of 9 p.m. Tuesday and was continuing to grow. Students posted messages of support and encouragement for both coaches.

A Facebook user named Jessica Shehane wrote “Snyder! Come Back!” Facebook user Chris Crosby wrote “Have faith Coach Snyder and Coach Tolle! We believe in you and are there for you!”

One parent in particular, Facebook user Tricia Lynch Brewis, wrote a long letter expressing her fondness for Snyder and frustrations with the way the situation was handled.

“[Snyder] is one amazing man. He is [at school] sometimes from sun up to sun down, he is tireless in his help of students/athletes, parents and colleagues. Recently when my son was unsure whether to try out for JV football, he saw Coach Snyder and asked for his feedback. Whatever Coach Snyder said to him, motivated him workout more and give football another try. He was doing a great job building a community with the local area of Pasadena closest to CHS.” 

Read Brewis's entire letter on Facebook. It received several comments and Facebook “likes” from other parents and students who support Snyder.    

Details into the incident that lead to the removal of Snyder and Tolle are still not being released, Mosier said.