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First Posted: 11/13/2013 KINGSTON &#8212; In spite of continued objections by some parents of baseball players, Wyoming Valley West school board unanimously reinstated John Milius as head baseball coach at Wednesday night&#8217;s regular meeting.
At October&#8217;s meeting, several parents had raised objections to Milius and his methods. Because of concerns of several board members, his appointment had been tabled. A meeting was proposed to discuss concerns.
At November&#8217;s meeting two more parents approached the board with concerns since Milius was again on the agenda for appointment.
One parent thanked Wyoming Valley West High School Principal Erin Keating for setting up a meeting to discuss the baseball coaching staff. But she was disappointed that Milius had not been taken out of consideration. She said Milius had treated baseball team members to actions that were &#8220;degrading and belittling.&#8221;
Another parent said that Milius had forced team members to remain on a field during a lightning storm. She begged that the board &#8220;consider other candidates.&#8221;
In addition to Milius, the board appointed Charles Whited, John Sharkus and Casey Mulligan to be assistant baseball coaches.
Kate Finnegan was appointed girls&#8217; varsity track coach. Randy Shoemaker and Erica Drevenak were appointed as assistant middle school boys&#8217; and girls&#8217; track coaches.
 Keating made a presentation to two teachers and one high school student who have moved quickly to raise money to help varsity soccer player Taylor Thoryk with medical bills.
Thoryk was diagnosed in October with an aggressive form of leukemia.
As a result of T-shirt sales, a Halloween fundraiser and an all-day soccer tournament fundraiser, $11,000 was raised in less than five weeks.
Junior Paige Heckman was the driving force behind the soccer tournament, which also included a bake sale, food sales and a silent auction.
The board&#8217;s reorganization meeting will be held Dec. 4, 2013.

Wyoming Valley West rehires head baseball coach