Coolidge (Ariz.) athletics has probation sanction downgraded to warning

Coolidge guard Turner Armstrong (1) celebrates a three pointer against Snowflake guard Landon Clare (0) during a 3A boys basketball semifinal game at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, on Feb. 28, 2026.

Coolidge High School (Ariz.) back in late February saw its entire athletics program put under a 365-day probation stemming from allegations of taunting during a Arizona high school boys basketball postseason game.

According to a letter written by Coolidge Unified School District superintendent Dawn Dee Hodge, the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) has reduced the Bears’ sanction from probation to a warning. It now means that Coolidge athletic teams would now be eligible to participate in postseason, which under the probation would’ve kept them out of playoff consideration.

“This morning, Mr. Tres Chapman, District Athletic Director, and I met with the AIA to review their prior decision regarding Coolidge High School athletics. We were able to share the progress we have made and the steps taken to strengthen our program,” Dee Hodge said in the letter.

“As a result of that discussion, the AIA has adjusted our status from probation to warning. This is an important step forward and means our student-athletes are eligible for postseason play if they quality.
While we are encouraged by this outcome, we are also clear that our work is not finished. We will remain on warning for the next year, and during this time, expectations for conduct at all athletic events must be met without exception. Any inappropriate behavior by coaches, athletes, or spectators could result in a return to probationary status.”

The Bears had defeated Chinle, 64-53, in a quarterfinal matchup but during the contest it was alleged that Coolidge was accused of taunting towards the Wildcats’ boys basketball team. Per a report, video footage was sent in to the AIA which led to the association launching an investigation into the serious allegations.