Lower Finds No Fault With Wrestling Coach

VILLAS – A Lower Township investigation launched after a complaint from a parent has concluded that a coach in the Lower Township Wrestling Program did nothing wrong. The story was published Dec. 27. 
Rachel Stanton pulled her son Kaden off the wrestling team after the incident, and her parents, both deeply involved in the program, resigned from their volunteer positions as well.
In December, she accused coach Frank Simonsen of stepping over the line in response to an alleged foul. She accused Simonsen of yelling at and berating her son.
Township officials promised to look into the matter. On Jan. 5, municipal attorney Robert Belasco announced that the investigation had found no fault in Simonsen’s actions.
“The township has concluded its investigation into the incident that allegedly occurred with the Lower Township Wrestling Program and the township has concluded that the allegations are unfounded and are without merit,” Belasco wrote. “It has been determined that the child was treated fairly and no different than any other member of the Lower Township Wrestling Program.”
Simonsen is the brother of Lower Township Mayor Eric Simonsen. His family has long been involved with Lower Township sports. Since The Herald published the initial story about Stanton’s accusation, at least one person involved in the Lower Township wrestling program has described him as a dedicated coach.
Simonsen could not be reached for comment after several attempts for the previous story.
Kaden’s grandparents withdrew from the program over the incident. Mark Bohn was the head coach of the program, while his wife, Cyndi Bohn, help in several ways as a volunteer.
After their daughter posted an account of the incident to social media, drawing an extensive reaction, Cyndi Bohn confirmed her daughter’s account.
To contact Bill Barlow, email bbarlow@cmcherald.com.