A DeKalb County Basketball Coach Has Backing of Alumni After Parents Accused Him of Bullying Rather Than Coaching Their Children

FYFFE, AL, (WDEF)-Everyone has a different opinion on what it takes to win titles as a high school coach.

"Blood, sweat tears, commitment"

Some former Fyffe High School players say coach Thrash did what it took to bring success to "The Red Machine" and that parents and the superintendent were wrong to confront him.

William Milford, Fyffe Class of 2000, Geraldine Church of God Member,"Just because your coach is getting on you a little hard so what, life ain’t all about roses and candy"

Students who were taught and coached by Neal Thrash are concerned that they will struggle to win after he led their boys basketball team to the Sand Mountain, DeKalb County and Class 2A, Area 12 tournament finals for the first time in a quarter of a century.

Michael Akres, Fyffe High 2009 Graduate,"He was fire to me, he made me work out and what not, but he was real good to me, appreciate it, I had him in eighth grade in some kind of class"

The superintendent’s office say this is a very trying time for the Fyffe school community.

Crystal Webb,Dekalb County Superintendent’s Office spokesperson, "Because there are students involved and because it is a sensitive situation we are not commenting"

The school’s principal says his main concern is that his students are safe and happy and hopes this controversy can blow over.

 Coach Thrash confirmed over the phone that he’s now being represented by a Gadsden Alabama lawyer and is focusing on carrying out his duties as Fyffe’s Vice Principal once he makes a full recovery from some recent surgery.