I have personally known Coach Brenton since his first day of inception at Liberty High School, which was the first day the doors opened.

During this time I was the automotive instructor, wrestling and football coach at neighboring/sister high school, Sunrise Mountain. I saw such a positive influence in Coach Brenton during our competitive dual matches. I was so impressed with him that I voluntary resigned from my coaching positions at SMHS and joined the Liberty Lions. I joined in both football and wrestling and was proud to work as an assistant to Coach Brenton in the wrestling program.

I was graciously asked to be a mentor for Coach Brenton by the athletic director of LHS, (may he RIP, Rick Johnson) and to coach along side him. I was more than honored to work with Eric, who at the time was a young individual that showed so much promise, excitement and selflessness to teach and coach in a sport we both are very passionate about.

Through the years we worked together and also became close friends, a friendship that has remained to this day.

Eric was there during a personal life crisis I was going through. I will forever be grateful for his support. This is not uncommon for Eric to do for those around him.

The allegations that are put on Coach Brenton are absurd and heartbreakingly unbelievable! While coaching with him and up until my departure from the state in 2011, there was no such issues on the team, practice room or trips the teams made to compete!

Coach Brenton is one of the most honest, dependable and upstanding individuals I’ve ever met or known! He is an asset to the school, the sports program, the community and a positive influence to our youth in a time where children need a good, reputable role model.

Due to indescribable similarities I stepped away from teaching and coaching because of the lack of support and respect from parents and students who live in an entitled society. School administrators are afraid of parents and the “sue happy” world that has evolved.

If we want our children to have a quality education with honorable teachers then it’s high time to start toughening up the fragile mentalities we’ve created.

Life was very different a few decades ago. Students respected their teachers, they listened and did what was asked of them, they actually showed up to class-on time prepared to learn. School wasn’t optional and we respected our elders.

Eric Brenton instills these necessary traits in these young athletes. He prepares them for success and teaches self worth and integrity. I stand with Eric Brenton, I personally know his character and these accusations are not only absurd but can cause immense damage to an upstanding man and the very best wrestling program in Arizona.