Stadium name change was right choice for Del Oro

Placer Union and Del Oro high school district officials made a tough but correct decision this week in deciding to change the name of the school's stadium.For 37 years, it was known as Ralph E. Goggins stadium, after the school's first principal and a cherished figure in school history.But Goggins' name has been clouded this year as former students have come forward with credible allegations of sexual misconduct. The honor of having the stadium bear his name for the indefinite future will be taken away as administrators have decided to rename a new athletic facility now in the planning stages Del Oro High School Golden Eagle Stadium.Former students Jim Roenspie and Bill Gieck, who attended the school in the late 1960s, came forward with allegations that they had been sexually preyed upon by Goggins.The Loomis News and the Auburn Journal editorial staffs looked into their claims and interviewed numerous people regarding their authenticity. Since stories alleging sexual misconduct were published, several more former students have come forward with information about Goggins, describing his behavior as inappropriate for a school administrator.The naming of an athletic stadium, which houses teams that are the pride and joy of this community, is a serious matter. There's no question Goggins worked tirelessly for Del Oro and the community. But all the positive things he accomplished in his career as a principal and later as superintendent of the Placer Union High School District do not diminish the seriousness of his actions.Teachers and school administrators have close relationships with students during the most influential years of their lives. Their power cannot be underestimated. With added responsibility comes higher standards and expectations from residents and taxpayers who trust educators with our children, who are the future of our community.Because Ralph Goggins died at age 51 on June 9, 1978 in Billings, Mont., following a bout with pneumonia, he is not here to defend himself. But having a stadium named after a man whose career has had such a dubious shadow cast upon him is not in the best interest of the school, the community or future students.Neither our newspapers nor school officials took our roles in looking into this legendary educator's career and personal life lightly. It was with heavy hearts and a great deal of self-analysis that this decision came to fruition.A fundraising campaign is under way and it is hoped that Del Oro High School can garner $500,000 by the end of the year to help fund $1.6 million needed for the first phase of the stadium project. Officials hope to break ground in June 2007.We encourage residents and businesses in the community to support Del Oro High School in building a new stadium and applaud the Placer Union High School District and Del Oro administrators for having the courage to change the stadium's name to Del Oro High School Golden Eagle Stadium.