Football coaches placed on leave

By Bill Donovan
Staff writer

GALLUP — An investigation is under way by officials for the county school system into coaches for the varsity football program at Gallup High School.

Esther Macias, superintendent for the Gallup-McKinley County Public School District, said the investigation is being handled by Theresa Mariano, the district’s personnel director.

The investigation was begun after the three varsity football coaches — Dan Donisthorpe, Albert Gabaldon and Steve Starkovich — were placed on paid administrative leave on Dec. 3. Starkovich was allowed to return to work the following Monday.

Deputy Chief John Allen said reports that appeared in the media that the three were escorted out of the high school building were incorrect. No police officers were involved, but school officials said that a school security guard was on hand and just watched as the coaches were told that they were being placed on leave.

No one in the school is talking about reasons for the actions, but several sources connected to the school district said it had to do with a party that occurred during the Thanksgiving break involving some of the school’s football players. There are also reports that inappropriate behavior occurred at the party.

Macias said she was not sure how long the investigation would take.