Students from Nowata High School protest the loss of a popular coach.

 

Yesterday, more than 40 students gathered to protest the release of Nowata girls' basketball and softball coach Thad Hewitt. As a parent who also attended the protest, Kristi Pierce says this is about more than sports.

 

Pierce says Hewitt has had a lasting impact on Nowata students.

 

Hewitt, originally from Nowata, was hired as the head coach of Nowata's softball and girl's basketball teams in 2022. He was released from employment with the district in April.