'Context matters': Former Topsail wrestling coach Pete Smith responds to investigation

Former Topsail High School wrestling coach Pete Smith has responded to a report shared by Pender County Schools on Tuesday.

“I wholeheartedly disagree with the overall assessment of the Topsail Wrestling program as it was outlined in this recent report,” Smith said in a statement to the StarNews on Wednesday. “Context matters. Any content presented in a specific narrative that conveniently leaves out pertinent information that would alter the interpretation of the content is what this report is riddled with, unfortunately.”

TOPSAIL WRESTLING REPORTInvestigation into Topsail wrestling program claims bullying, NCHSAA violations

The 27-page report was the culmination of an in-depth investigation by Raleigh-based law firm Schwartz Law, which the school board hired to investigate issues with the wrestling program.

The findings presented claims of bullying, culture issues, and potential Title IX violations. Smith chose not to address each claim individually.

“There’s too much to unpack in this report, and I wouldn’t even know where to begin,” he said. “Truthfully, I’m not sure it matters much anyway. The more I dig into this report, the more I expect to somehow be linked to the Kennedy assassination as well!"

Overwhelming support for Smith poured out after his removal from the program in March. A Change.org petition titled “Reinstate Pete Smith as THS Head Wrestling Coach” has more than 700 signatures. In a March 19 Pender Country Board of Education meeting, several individuals, including Smith, used the public comment portion to voice their concern over Smith’s removal.

“The opinions that matter are of those who are members of the wrestling team, their families, and the wrestling community at large. Their unprecedented and overwhelming support speaks volumes about what actually took place over the past three years. In an era where parents are often the driving force behind the removal of coaches, the athletes and parents of the Topsail Wrestling Team were the driving force to keep me as their coach because of the positive difference this program made in the lives of the student-athletes. Ultimately, that’s the story that should have been told,” Smith’s statement continued.

While it is unclear who will lead the Topsail wrestling program moving forward, the report recommended the school take precautions should it choose to reinstate Smith.