Alumnus asks board to review baseball tryout and oversight process; father urges formal review of complaints

During the second public-comment period, alumnus and recent graduate Nicholas Squaly told the board he was cut from the varsity baseball roster after a tryout process he described as lacking transparency and adequate evaluation time. Squaly said speed drills were not included in tryouts this year although they had been used historically, that he was not given requested opportunities to play outfield, and that the timing of roster decisions left insufficient opportunity for full evaluation.

"I am not here tonight asking you guys to reverse a roster decision," Squaly said. "I am here because I believe our student athletes deserve process that is fair, transparent, and consistent." He described a follow-up meeting with the athletic director in which he was told roster decisions are left to coaches and that the athletic director would not overrule coaching decisions.

Nicholas’s father, Tony Squalally, urged the board to review recent complaints filed against the baseball program and to clarify the athletic director's duties with regard to roster oversight. He described difficulties obtaining internal communications and recommended the board consider a review board or clearer procedures to ensure timely resolution of complaints so they do not affect a season.

Board members did not take immediate action during the meeting; the comments were received for the record. The public commenters asked the board to examine athletic policies, student-athlete handbooks and the athletic director’s role, and to consider stronger review mechanisms when disputes arise.