Mariner High football team starts season after coaching shake-up

The Mariner High School Tritons opened their football season under interim head coach Doug Faasse after two coaches were placed on administrative leave and four others were fired just weeks before the season began. "The mood was a little rough. I have to admit, it was a little rough the first couple of days we reconvened," Faasse said. The coaching changes stem from a July investigation into a team lock-in, during which head coach Tyran Jones and an assistant coach were suspended. The school district cited a lack of adult supervision during the event as the reason for the suspensions. "They were shook up. I mean, considering what happened, they were really shook up by what happened," Faasse said. He added, "It's been a little rough. The transition has been difficult. The first couple days, once the coaching change was made, it was a little tough getting the kids motivated for practice. But this week has been really good. I don't want to say they've moved past what happened because obviously every day at practice, there's coaches that are not there that they want there." The incident was reported to Cape Coral police by a parent. According to the police report, multiple students were questioned for horseplay involving water bottles. The district confirmed that some students are facing consequences, and one teammate has transferred to another school. While some parents have expressed concern over the situation, others have downplayed its significance. "Boys will be boys. It doesn't even seem like it was much of a hazing issue," said Mariner High School parent Douglas Welcher. Many students have also expressed support for the suspended coaches. "I don't think the coaches should have gotten fired out of their jobs just for such silly things," said Mariner High School student Sergio Sobrin. The school district has stated that it is still investigating the matter and has not yet released Tyran Jones' personnel file. Faasse, a math teacher with 28 years of experience, said the team is now focusing on their goals for the season. "Our goals have not changed. It's just how we get there may have changed," he said before the first game vs the Cypress Lake Panthers at Cypress Lake High School. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.