The Chino Valley Unified teachers union is representing an Ayala High school teacher in court who allegedly bullied members of the school’s girls volleyball team while coaching it. They’re hoping to block the release of two investigations into the coach from the Southern California News Group.
The SCNG requested copies of all complaints made against coach Bernie Wendling during his career with Chino Valley using the California Public Records Act in mid-November.
The day after the SCNG requested copies of the complaints, Wendling stepped down as coach of the girls volleyball team.
At a meeting Nov. 3, 17 people, some current and past members of the women’s team, offered public comments complaining about Wendling bullying team members during his time as a coach.
He has had a mix of former and current athletes both condemn his actions, and defend them. Athletes have come forward with phrases that Wendling told them such as calling one girl a “cancer to the team.” Others viewed his methods as a coaching tactic to make them stronger and perform better.
As of Dec 23, San Bernardino Country Superior Court Judge John M. Pacheco granted the union a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order. The information regarding the investigations cannot be released until a full hearing before Judge David Cohn on Feb. 21.
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